The Most Important Change in College Admissions in the Last 10 Years…
In the past ten years, the college admissions landscape has been hugely impacted by the widespread adoption of test-optional policies.
Initially a response to disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, these policies have now become a lasting fixture at many universities, prompting students to reevaluate how they are applying to college.
The Surge in Applications
One of the most significant consequences of the test-optional implementation has been a marked increase in the number of applications to selective colleges and universities. Without the dreaded barrier of SAT and/or ACT testing, more students are applying to institutions they might have previously considered out of their academic reach. For example, Harvard University saw a substantial increase in applications during the 2021 admissions cycle, with a 43% jump in applications compared to the last five years on average. This admissions surge has, in-part, contributed to record-low acceptance rates, making the admissions process more competitive than ever. Furthermore, this trend isn't isolated just to Harvard. Other top-tier institutions like Yale and the University of Pennsylvania also reported similar increases in application numbers, leading to intensified competition for acceptance across the board.
The Shift to Holistic Review
With the recent reduction in emphasis on standardized test scores, universities have increasingly turned to holistic review processes to assess student’s applications. This means that greater weight is being placed on other components of the application, such as high school GPA, the rigor of courses taken(AP/IB/Honors), essays, letters of recommendation, and extracurricular activities.
For instance, at schools like UPenn and Columbia, where test-optional policies are still in effect as of the 2024-25 application cycle, the focus has shifted heavily on to understanding the context of a student's academic and personal achievements. This approach allows admissions officers to evaluate students based on a broader set of criteria such as location, income level, and other socioeconomic factors.
The Future of Test-Optional Policies
As we look further into the future of college admissions, it becomes clear that test-optional policies and their consequences are likely to continue playing a significant role in college admissions. While some institutions, like MIT and Dartmouth, have already reinstated testing requirements, many others, including Cornell, plan to maintain test-optional policies for the foreseeable future. This shift isn’t static, and ultimately reflects a broader movement towards creating a more equitable and fair admissions process, particularly in light of growing awareness of the socioeconomic issues associated with standardized testing.
For students navigating this new landscape, the key to success lies in understanding how to present a comprehensive and compelling application. Strong academic performance, meaningful extracurricular involvement, and well-crafted personal essays will be more important than ever. Additionally, students should carefully consider whether submitting test scores will enhance their application, particularly at schools where test-optional policies are in place.
Conclusion
The rise of test-optional admissions has reshaped the college application process, offering both opportunities and challenges. As students and families adapt to this new reality, it’s essential to stay informed and strategically approach the application process. But, how in the world do you craft a world class application?
Best,
Joshua S.R.
Founder
75 Percent Chance