Difference Between Test-Flexible, Test-Optional, and Test-Blind Policy

Feeling stressed about SAT and ACT scores? You're not alone. With all these different testing policies popping up, it's hard to figure out what colleges actually want. Let's break it down in simple terms and see how Kollegio can help you make sense of it all.

Let’s break down these policies.

What Does Test-Optional Mean?

It's pretty simple: you get to choose whether to send in your SAT or ACT scores. If you don't send them, the college promises they won't hold it against you.

Some Big-Name Schools That are Test-Optional

1. Stanford University
2. Northwestern University
3. Duke University
4. Vanderbilt University
5. Tufts University
6. University of Michigan
7. Johns Hopkins University

Why Did They Make This Choice?

• They want to give everyone a fair shot.
• Not everyone can easily take these tests.
• They care about more than just test scores.
• They want to see the whole picture of who you are.

What's Test-Flexible All About?

Think of test-flexible as the "we're open to other options" policy. Can't submit SAT scores? No problem - these schools will look at other tests instead.

Schools That Let You Be Flexible:

1. University of Rochester
2. Hamilton College
3. New York University (NYU)
4. Middlebury College 
5. Colorado College
6. Drexel University 
7. Bryn Mawr College

What Can You Send Instead?

• AP test scores
• IB exam results
• Other standardized tests you've taken

What's Test-Blind? (Yes, It's Really a Thing)

Test-blind schools are basically saying, "Don't even bother sending us test scores - we won't look at them." Simple as that!

Schools That Won't Look at Your Scores:

1. All University of California schools
2. All California State University schools
3. Hampshire College
4. Northern Illinois University
5. Reed College
6. Catholic University
7. Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Explore more test-blind schools.

How Kollegio Makes Your Life Easier

Trying to keep track of all this? That's where Kollegio comes in handy. Here's what it can do for you:

1. Shows You the Real Numbers:
   • What scores did students actually get in with?
   • What's the average SAT/ACT at each school?
   • How have things changed over time?
2. Helps You Find Schools:
   • Want test-optional schools? It'll show you.
   • Looking for test-blind? Got those too.
   • Need something flexible? No problem.
3. Keeps You in the Loop:
   • Did a school change its policy? You'll know.
   • Is it just temporary? It'll tell you.
   • Does your dream program have special rules? You can check.

What's Changed Recently?

The college testing world keeps changing:

• MIT went back to requiring tests in 2022.
• Some schools are reviewing their policies beyond 2024.
• All UC schools went completely test-blind still operating under a test-blind policy as of the 2024-2025 application cycle.

Tips for Making Your Choice

Not sure what to do about your scores? Think about:

1. Look up schools' average scores on Kollegio.
2. Check if your major needs test scores.
3. See how many students get in without scores.
4. Think about your grades and other achievements.
5. Use Kollegio’s “Chance Me” feature to evaluate your chance of getting into the school you are interested in.

What's Coming Next?

Here's what people think will happen:

• More schools might drop testing requirements.
• Colleges will look more at your whole story.
• New ways of evaluating students might pop up.
• High school grades might become even more important.

What Should You Do Next?

1. Jump on Kollegio and look up your dream schools.
2. See how your scores stack up.
3. Decide if you want to send your scores.
4. Make your application awesome in other ways.

Remember: Every student is different, and what works for your friend might not work for you. Kollegio helps you figure out what makes sense for “YOUR” situation.

By Purv Patel