Studying Abroad, The Mini-Series. Part 4: So, this test-optional thing?
- Kamikun Adebajo
- Nov 17, 2021
- 5 min read
Updated: Mar 2, 2023
Hola everyone. And welcome back to steps to Japa😅
It's been almost one year since our last study abroad related post and with the pandemic changing things, I thought I'd make a little update to our mini series.
Our last post focused on the structure of the SATs because of how important they are in the US admissions process, or at least they were. However, with the pandemic restricting large gatherings, including for exams, many colleges have decided to make SATs optional for some time. This is good news because it improves the chance of the average international student; who may not be used to a foreign curriculum or can't afford the test.
There's a lot of language here so I'm going to try to touch on all the new terms I've heard and what the updated American admissions process looks like. Also note that each school has different policies, especially with COVID, so the best thing to do is to allocate some time to browse through their school website or email their admissions office.
Without further ado, let's get into it.
image credit: Genopic
Popular language you might see on college websites when it comes to testing or the SATs include test optional, test flexible and test blind.
Test optional means that you're not required to send in an SAT result to be considered for admission. If you have one, you can send it in but you have to decide whether you want to send it in or not. If you're wondering, "Ahan, why would I not want to send in my scores?" it's because of a word frequently thrown around in the admissions process - Holistic.
Most, if not all colleges state that their admissions process is holistic meaning that they do not just consider your test scores or GPA, but also your essays, recommendation letters, extracurriculars, etc. So a student who has a high SAT score may not get into a college because they didn't have good essays (this essay thing ehn, it's something else😄). Unlike Nigerian schools that work solely on cutoff marks, most foreign schools are also interested in your non-academic side meaning that both areas need to be as balanced as possible.
You can't be a math genius who can't write a 1000 word essay or a Pulitzer prize winner with no good recommendation letters. This doesn't mean you have to be perfect all round but they have to see you're putting in your best effort. If you're applying to physics program, they won't cut off your head if you have a 600 in SAT English or a few punctuation errors in your essay. And they don't expect History or Literature applicants to have a perfect score in Math.
So going back to test optional, if you did well on the SATs, you can show off your score by sending it in. However, if testing is not your forte and you feel your score doesn't reflect your academic strength, you can choose not to send it in and make up for it in other areas like your GPA, your school transcript, extracurriculars.
What do I mean? If you're applying for a Computer Science program but unsure of your score, don't fret. Just highlight other places where you did well in Math or computer science like your transcript; speak on contests you've won, apps you've built, coding communities and extracurriculars you're a part of, etc.
Next, test flexible. This means that the school allows you to replace the SAT with something else. Just like the way we use WAEC, NECO or GCE. Some schools can allow you to substitute other certificate exms for the SAT. It could include IGCSE and other UK school leaving exams, International Bacchleurate, AP, etc and even WAEC (they usually have exams they can accept for international students.) Just check to make sure. For example, NYU allows one of the following:
SAT,
ACT,
International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma,
Three (3) SAT Subject Test scores,
Three (3) AP Exam scores,
Three (3) IB higher-level exam scores if not an IB Diploma candidate,
Other international examinations that show you completed, or if submitting predicted results show you will complete, your secondary education, etc
Finally, test blind. These colleges do not want you to send in a test score because they don't consider it at all. This sounds radical but many schools are reviewing the use of SAT because more people feel that it does not accurately measure a student's intellect so these are the radicals😎🙌. If you can highlight your academic strength without tests, these are your go-to schools.
Note that most high brow schools like the Ivy League still require SATs (for some reason, awon elite😅)
In conclusion, with regards to testing, expect to see these terms.
Some old ones you may come across include optional, recommended, strongly recommended, encouraged, required, etc. You know what required means. Optional usually means if it is to your advantage. Recommended and encouraged are 60 to 70%, they would like to see it but if you can't and have a good reason why, no problem. The strongly recommended. That one, try to do it because they are probably counting it as part of the work. However, if you have an extenuating circumstance like finances and can't afford a test, just mention it in your essay so they understand. Usually if you substitute it with a good WAEC score and other holistic thingies, you'll be fine.
Here are some websites that try to list all the currently test optional schools in the US.
image credit: clipart library
Extra notes and disclaimers:
If you're applying to a special school, like an arts or music school, you want to check if they have additional requirements or exceptions. For example, Julliard school of music doesn't require testing for their bachelors of music program. The admissions process relies on auditions instead.
The best way to confirm your school's test policy is by checking their page or contacting them. Also make sure that you're under the International students' section except you're a US citizen as some of their requirements vary for international students. e.g english language requirements.
The American admissions process is mainly in your hands. It's like a job interview. Even though all of you may have a 4.0 GPA, you have to present yourself in a way that would make you stand out. This may include showing off your awards, your research or your test scores but in the end, it's your choice.
Thanks for reading fam🤗
If you enjoyed this post, make sure to like and share with your friends and fam to support the blog.
If you want me to do a piece on another aspect of the admissions process or have a question, let me know in the comments below.
Just starting? Catch up on the study abroad series
Looking for something else?
Read my first short story post! The Greatest Love Story Ever
Have a fantastic rest of the week,
✌🏽&💝,
Kami.
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