Coding for Kids
Applying to college is a journey filled with big decisions. One of the biggest? Figuring out where you want to apply and deciding whether or not to submit your SAT or ACT scores. This brings us to an interesting category: test blind colleges.
But what exactly does “test blind” mean? And, maybe even more importantly, is a test blind college admissions journey a good strategy for *your* college application process?
Table of Contents:
- What Does “Test Blind” Really Mean?
- Why Go Test Blind? The Potential Advantages
- Things to Keep in Mind If You’re Going Test Blind
- Conclusion
What Does “Test Blind” Really Mean?
The term “test blind colleges” is sometimes used interchangeably with “test-optional”. However, while they share some similarities, there’s a key difference between them.
“Test optional colleges” let students choose if they want to send in their SAT/ACT scores. This is pretty common, as it gives students more flexibility during the college application season. However, test blind colleges take things a step further.
Going Beyond “Test Optional”
Test blind colleges, like those in the University of California system, don’t consider test scores *at all*, even if you submit them. Yep – that means your hard-earned SAT/ACT scores won’t even be glanced at during the admissions process. Admissions decisions are made without considering standardized test scores as an admissions factor.
Why would a college adopt a test blind policy? Proponents of test-blind admissions believe they create a more level playing field for students in the U.S. Many feel that standardized tests often favor students from higher socioeconomic backgrounds. Critics, however, argue that they limit the information available to admissions committees.
Why Go Test Blind? The Potential Advantages
Emphasis on Your Academic Journey
With standardized testing plans and submitted test scores out of the picture, admissions committees at these schools focus more heavily on your transcript. Think GPA, the rigor of your course load, and your overall performance. Admissions standards at test blind colleges rely heavily on a student’s academic achievements as reflected in their high school transcripts. Test blind colleges believe these provide a more holistic picture of your academic abilities and potential.
Showcasing Your Passions & Involvement
Test blind admissions can benefit students who excel outside of traditional testing environments. A test-blind policy means colleges place extra emphasis on your extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation, essays, and even your background. It’s a chance to let your experiences truly shine.
This includes activities that demonstrate leadership skills, community involvement, dedication, and a genuine passion for learning. Applicants might highlight their involvement in community service, athletics, arts, or other areas where they have demonstrated their skills and commitment.
Things to Keep in Mind If You’re Going Test Blind
Test-blind policies sound pretty awesome if standardized tests aren’t your forte. However, there are some things to keep in mind when crafting your college list:
Not All Schools Are Test Blind: Crafting Your College List Strategically
While test-blind admissions are gaining traction, it’s crucial to remember that they aren’t the norm… yet. Most colleges still consider SAT/ACT scores as part of their decision-making process. So, carefully research each school’s testing policies to determine if submitting test scores is optional or required.
You’ll find FairTest’s list of test-blind schools to be super helpful for this. Loyola Marymount University, for example, is test-optional. Many liberal arts colleges have also adopted test-optional policies. If you are interested in liberal arts colleges, you should check their websites or contact the admissions office to confirm their current Testing policy.
What Do Test Blind Colleges Care About?
Test blind colleges aren’t saying they don’t care about academic achievement. It’s more about recognizing that a single test score might not tell the whole story. Colleges seek students who are academically curious and capable of handling the rigor of their academic programs.
Without standardized tests, they rely heavily on your high school transcript as an indicator of your academic ability and work ethic. Colleges will carefully evaluate your grades, course selection, and overall academic performance to assess your readiness for higher education. Strong grades and a challenging course load across a variety of subjects still hold significant weight.
The Role of Your High School Counselor
Your high school counselor can be a huge resource, guiding you on course selection. They can also write that super important letter of recommendation that highlights your academic progress and overall potential. Their perspective can help demonstrate to colleges why you’re a great fit, *without* the emphasis on standardized scores.
Conclusion
Test blind colleges provide an interesting new path within the evolving college admissions process. They acknowledge that academic potential goes beyond standardized test scores, offering students a chance to highlight their diverse strengths and accomplishments in a holistic manner. Ultimately, test-blind colleges represent a growing shift towards recognizing students for *who they are*, beyond numbers.
