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Dear Friends,

We are writing today to address one of the many developing consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic: test-optional policies . As you know, rising seniors are facing cancelled testing dates and therefore fewer testing opportunities ahead of their college applications.

Last week, the University of California responded to this unprecedented challenge by suspending its standardized testing requirement for students applying for Fall 2021 admission. We expect a number of colleges to follow suit by adopting test-optional policies in the coming weeks.

But in selective admissions, are your chances of acceptance equal if you choose to withhold test scores? In most cases, no.

Here's why.
Acceptance Rates are Lower for Test-Optional Students.
The burden of proof is higher for students who do not submit test scores.

Lakhani Coaching students value their ability to solve problems. Despite the rising number of test-optional alternatives, test scores remain the most accessible way for admissions officers to validate a student's problem-solving skills.

Think about it this way. If your test scores fail to demonstrate strong problem-solving ability, schools will inevitably hold your other credentials to a higher standard. Removing your test scores from the equation leaves admissions officers to rely solely on your academics and character when evaluating your candidacy.

Juniors: Test-Optional Does Not Mean Test-Blind.
Test-optional is just another way of looking at students fairly within the context of their socioeconomic status. The key is to know if excellence in testing will be a help to your candidacy.

If your parents graduated from college and you attend a high school with high-achieving peers, excellence in testing—even in applications to test-optional schools— will serve as a key element to help you stand out.

Current juniors may have fewer SAT and ACT sittings, but we encourage you to make those sittings count. Those who are able to maintain focus on their academics, problem-solving ability, and character during this crisis will rise to the top of the application pool.

Concentrated coaching over these next few critical months could still render a massive impact on a rising senior's test performance. Contact us for high-powered support.
Why Do Schools Go Test-Optional?
Before COVID-19, several selective colleges and universities had already implemented test-optional policies.

Why did these schools go test-optional?

  1. College Rankings Boost. Test-optional policies quickly increase overall applications, elevating the denominator of "acceptance rate," while keeping the numerator roughly flat. This often boosts the college's selectivity percentage and therefore heightens its overall rankings.
  2. Higher SAT/ACT Averages. By allowing weaker testers to opt out, but still needing testing to differentiate non-disadvantaged students, schools manage to boost their median numbers among students who submit them.
  3. Stronger Yield. Test-optional schools often earn a stronger yield, as a greater percentage of test-optional students are likely to accept their offer of admission.

You can see these three motivators in action at University of Chicago. UChicago hailed its recent adoption of the test-optional policy as a success, bringing in more underrepresented, first-generation, and rural students. This policy also brought UChicago's acceptance rate down to 6.2% and boosted their median SAT to 1530/1600, one of the highest in the country.
When To Consider Test-Optional
Test-optional policies are celebrated for increasing admits of underrepresented minorities, students from disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds, and first-generation students. These same groups, alongside students directly affected by COVID-19, will benefit from temporary test-optional policies in the wake of coronavirus.

While we typically advise students to submit their test scores, we understand that there are a few worthy exceptions.

Examples may include:

  1. Students who were hospitalized due to COVID-19.
  2. Students whose parents have not attended college.
  3. Students who have overcome significant adversity, making them great contributors to the dorm hall conversation, the dining hall debate, and the class discussion.

If you are considering going test-optional due to these or other circumstances, feel free to contact us to discuss your options.
We hope this note sheds light on how to best approach the test-optional policy. We are here and working if you need further insight.

Wishing everyone good health and continued ambition.

With warm regards,
Lakhani Coaching

Resources:
Teaching students to turn desire into ambition, and ambition into success.
Lakhani Coaching | 212.960.3462 | lakhanicoaching.com