Stress Less about Tests

Nov. 8, 2020

Education specialists have long said that standardized testing is not a predictor of college success. High test scores do indicate academic strength, but they do not exclusively prove that students will have the grit, drive, and executive functioning skills to succeed as college students.

That's why many test-optional colleges are developing new academic ratings to award merit aid. Now that only 25% of students are submitting scores--with the exceptions to this being the most selective institutions where over 50% of students are still testing and submitting--other variables will take precedence. What does this mean? At least in 2021, test scores no longer have the power they once did in admissions offices. I predict that 2022 will be much the same, with a few exceptions.

Pamela Kwartler, Certified Educational Planner