What You Need to Know for 2025 Admissions

The landscape of college admissions continues to evolve, and for students applying in 2025, test-optional policies are more prevalent than ever. With more schools giving applicants the choice of whether or not to submit SAT or ACT scores, you might be wondering how to navigate this process and make the best decisions for your applications. Here’s a closer look at what test-optional really means and how you can use these policies to your advantage.

 

 

What Does Test-Optional Mean? 

Simply put, a test-optional policy means that a college doesn’t require you to submit SAT or ACT scores with your application. Instead, they place more emphasis on other parts of your application, like your GPA, course load, extracurricular activities, essays, and recommendations. This shift allows students who feel their test scores don’t reflect their true academic potential to focus on other strengths.

But just because a college is test-optional doesn’t mean you should automatically skip submitting your scores. In some cases, strong test scores can still play a significant role in boosting your application.

 

 

Should You Submit Your Test Scores?

Whether or not to submit your SAT or ACT scores depends on several factors:

1. 1. • Your Scores vs. School Averages:

If your scores are within or above the average range for the colleges you’re applying to, it might be a good idea to include them. High scores can help strengthen your application, especially if your GPA isn’t as strong as you’d like.

• • • School Policies: 

Some schools, even if they are test-optional, may still consider strong test scores as a positive addition to your application. Check the specific policies of each college to understand how they evaluate submitted scores.

• • • Overall Strength of Your Application:

If you have a solid GPA, challenging coursework, and strong extracurriculars, you may not need to rely on test scores. However, if you feel your application could use a boost, good test scores might help.

• • • Scholarships: 

Keep in mind that some scholarships still require test scores, even if the college does not. Make sure you know the requirements for any scholarships you’re interested in.

 

 

Adapting Your Application Strategy

With the option to leave out test scores, it’s crucial to focus on other aspects of your application that highlight your strengths. Here’s how you can do that:

• • • Excel Academically: 

Your GPA and the rigor of your classes will take on more weight without test scores. Make sure you’re taking challenging courses and doing your best to excel in them.

• • • Write Strong Essays:

Your essays are your chance to showcase who you are beyond your grades and test scores. Spend time crafting thoughtful, authentic essays that tell your story and reflect your unique experiences.

• • • Highlight Extracurriculars:

Colleges want to see that you’re engaged outside of the classroom. Whether it’s leadership roles, community service, or creative pursuits, make sure your extracurricular activities are well-documented in your application.

• • • Get Great Recommendations:

Choose recommenders who know you well and can speak to your strengths and character. A strong letter of recommendation can make a significant difference in a test-optional application.

 

 

Test-Optional Schools to Consider

For 2025, many colleges are continuing with their test-optional policies. Here are a few schools to consider:

• • • University of Chicago:

Known for its test-optional policy, UChicago has been a leader in this movement, allowing students to showcase their strengths in other areas.

• • • Colgate University:

Colgate emphasizes a holistic review process and does not require test scores for applicants.

• • • University of California System:

The UC system is test-blind, meaning they won’t consider test scores at all, even if submitted.

• • • New York University (NYU):

NYU offers flexibility by accepting various types of standardized tests or allowing students to skip them altogether.

• • • Wake Forest University:

Wake Forest was one of the first schools to go test-optional and continues to prioritize a holistic approach to admissions.

 

Final Thoughts

The test-optional trend offers more flexibility, but it also requires you to be strategic about how you present yourself in your applications. If you choose not to submit test scores, focus on making other parts of your application as strong as possible.

As you navigate the 2025 admissions process, remember that Today’s College Solutions is here to help. We can guide you through these decisions and help you build a compelling application that showcases your strengths. Reach out if you need any support—we’re here for you every step of the way.