‘Test Blind’, ‘Test Optional’ or ‘Test Preferred’ – What Do These Categories Mean?

Based on article written by Yein Oh for the Times of Higer Education

Navigating the standardized test requirements for U.S. universities can feel like trying to solve a maze, with a variety of policies creating confusion for students and counselors alike. While the days of a universal SAT requirement are long gone, new terms like “test blind,” “test optional,” and “test preferred” have entered the lexicon, each with its own nuances. To make sense of the shifting landscape, let’s break down what these terms really mean.

The Changing Landscape of Testing RequirementsThanks to the pandemic, standardized testing saw a major shift. With test centers closed and access to exams limited, U.S. universities had to make difficult decisions about admissions. For many schools, this meant temporarily dropping test requirements, but as the world moves on from COVID, universities—especially selective ones—are reinstating testing policies. This creates a complex environment for students who must now navigate various testing expectations.Yein Oh, an educator with a keen interest in this issue, has developed a spectrum to help make sense of the different testing policies. From “test required” to “test blind,” this spectrum categorizes universities based on the extent to which standardized tests are incorporated into their admissions process.Understanding the Spectrum of Test PoliciesTest RequiredDefinition: SAT or ACT scores are required for all applicants.Implication: These schools are firm in their testing requirements. However, exceptions may be made in special circumstances, such as if a student cannot access a testing site.Examples:

• MIT and Georgia Tech: Both require SAT or ACT scores from all applicants.
• Harvard: Requires tests unless the student faces exceptional circumstances (e.g., difficulty accessing a test center).
• Dartmouth: Accepts SAT/ACT scores for U.S. students but may consider predicted grades or other alternatives for international students.

Test FlexibleDefinition: Applicants can submit alternative test results, such as AP or IB scores, instead of the SAT or ACT.Implication: While this sounds flexible, there are still specific rules about which scores are accepted.Examples:

• Yale: Yale allows applicants to submit AP or IB exam results in lieu of SAT or ACT scores. However, it requires AP students to have completed their exams before applying, which limits the flexibility for IB students who take exams later.

Test ExpectedDefinition: SAT or ACT scores are expected, though not strictly required.Implication: Choosing not to submit scores could place an applicant at a disadvantage, especially for scholarship consideration.Examples:

• Purdue: Purdue expects applicants to submit SAT or ACT scores, but allows for exceptions in specific cases where a student couldn’t access a test.

Test PreferredDefinition: Schools recommend submitting test scores but do not explicitly require them.Implication: Submitting scores may improve your chances, especially for scholarships, but not submitting them won't automatically hurt your application.Examples:

• Auburn University: While Auburn prefers test scores, the exact impact on admissions is unclear. The school also has a test-flexible option in certain cases.

Test OptionalDefinition: Applicants can choose whether or not to submit test scores, and their decision will not affect their application.Implication: Schools in this category might still lean toward test scores for certain applicants, but no applicant will be penalized for not submitting them. However, the distinction between “test optional” and “test preferred” can sometimes be blurry.Examples:

• Amherst College: Standardized testing is optional for applicants.
• NYU: NYU offers a “flexible testing policy,” allowing students to decide whether to submit SAT/ACT scores or use other forms of testing like AP or IB scores.
• Union College: The school is technically test-optional, but recommends test scores for international students or those applying to specific programs.

Test Blind or Test-FreeDefinition: Schools that are test-blind or test-free do not accept or consider SAT or ACT scores in the admissions process at all.Implication: If you have a great SAT or ACT score, you’ll need to leave it out of your application entirely.Examples:

• University of California: UC schools no longer consider SAT or ACT scores in their admissions decisions or for scholarships.
• Reed College: Reed College has a firm test-blind policy, meaning they do not consider SAT or ACT scores in any aspect of their application review.

Why Does It Matter?The variety in testing requirements can make the college application process feel overwhelming. However, understanding where each school stands can help students make more informed decisions about whether or not to take the SAT or ACT. Students applying to test-optional or test-preferred schools may need to weigh whether their scores will help or hurt their chances for admission and scholarships.In the end, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Each university has its own policy and priorities, and students should carefully review these policies as they prepare their applications.As the landscape continues to evolve, it’s important for students and counselors to stay informed about the latest updates. Universities may change their policies from one year to the next, so the approach to testing that seems right today might not hold for tomorrow’s applicants.The key takeaway: Stay informed, and always check the specific testing policy of each school on your list!Looking for SAT/ACT prep with seasoned tutors? We got you! Email us at info@weilcolegeadvising.com