Summary:
“Test-optional” and “test-blind” are two different college admissions policies regarding standardized tests like the SAT and ACT which do not require students to submit standardized tests to colleges. Many colleges implemented them during the COVID-19 pandemic, when it was much harder to take the SAT and ACT.
What Does “Test-Optional” Mean?
A test-optional policy means that a college allows students to choose whether or not to submit SAT or ACT scores with their application. If a student submits scores, the admissions office will consider them. If the student does not submit scores, the college will evaluate the application based on other materials—such as GPA, coursework, essays, and activities—without the test. At Integral Consulting, we almost never recommend that students take advantage of test-optional policies.
What Does “Test-Blind” Mean?
A test-blind policy goes further: the college will not look at standardized test scores at all, even if a student submits them. These schools have decided that test scores are not useful in their admissions process. Whether a student scores a perfect 1600 on the SAT or doesn't take it at all, the college will completely ignore test scores when making decisions. Currently, only a few U.S. colleges use test-blind policies—most notably the University of California system.
Why Colleges Use These Policies
Many colleges adopted test-optional or test-blind policies during the COVID-19 pandemic, when test centers were closed and access was unequal. But even before that, there was growing concern that standardized tests might favor wealthier students with access to expensive test prep. By going test-optional or test-blind, colleges aim to make admissions more equitable and accessible. These policies also allow students with strong grades or unique talents to shine, even if they do not perform well on standardized tests.
Should You Submit Your Test Scores?
We almost always recommend that a student submit the SAT and ACT, if they have taken it. This is especially true if the applicant is an international student or applying to very prestigious colleges. This is because, if the student doesn’t submit, admissions officers might assume that they could not obtain a good score. Students should only consider withholding their SAT or ACT score if it is much lower than average scores from admitted students at the schools they are applying to. In contrast, if a school is test-blind, then scores are irrelevant and should not be submitted.