Every policy in the Admissions Office serves the best interests of the college.

Welcome to my brief series on- Understanding the Motives of College Policies

Because it is so misinterpreted, I'll begin with the college's "Test Optional" policy.

A big part of my programming is facilitating college visits for my families. College visits play a major role in making the right college choice.

March and April are busy months for college visits. Getting them right is very important. It's not enough that you just show up for a tour. 

My students are required to meet with admission counselors. They are tasked with being well-prepared. Being prepared requires asking a series of strategic questions, such as,

1. How have admissions changed since COVID?

2. How important are SAT or ACT scores?

3. Besides GPA and Test scores, what's the next most important thing that you look for?

4. How do you distinguish among top students?

5. What are the typical common mistakes made by applicants?

6. What are the most important personal skills needed to be successful here as a student?

The questions are designed to engage the admission counselor in a meaningful conversation hoping to gain their interest in the student.

You'll hear a variety of responses. Caution! We can't always take what they say literally.    

Upon returning from their college trips, every student, with relief in their voice, proclaims-  "The colleges are test optional. I don't have to submit SAT scores." 

Right, most colleges have retained their test-optional policy. Why so? It increases the number of applications and lowers their acceptance rate.

Colleges love this policy. It's a big win for them. But not so for the students who apply without test scores.

Often, students who apply "test-optional" are denied within seconds of opening their application.

Please, don't expect them to tell you that!

All you have to know is the motive behind the policy to interpret its implications correctly.

The motive here is simple- lower the acceptance rate to enhance the perception of a school's "selectivity." 

I have a policy. Nothing on the application that says "optional", is optional.