Trends in Test Optional Admissions

More and more colleges are taking standardized scores – for the SAT or the ACT – out of the admissions equation by transitioning to “test optional” admissions reviews. With this more “holistic” approach, the focus stays on grades, activities, essays and recommendations. In most cases, the colleges opting out of the SAT and ACT as admissions criteria are small to mid-sized liberal arts colleges, but there will always be exceptions. Every college and university will include information on testing policies as part of the admissions section of the website and you can find comprehensive information about college testing policies at www.fairtest.org.

2013-2014 Common Application

The 2013-2014 Common Application -- with a record 517 member colleges -- is now available. Colleges will continue to add supplements, but this is the time to create an account, invite recommenders and research colleges.