It has always been one of the hardest common admissions tests across the world, but it holds the key to one of the stepping stones of success, if not the greatest- college. The SAT (Standardized Admissions Test) is the test that students take to get into college. The marks awarded in this test are considered a direct measure of a student’s ability to handle complex academic challenges, much of what they’ll face in college and beyond. In this article you will get to know about, Are Colleges Accepting Students Without SAT Scores?
Now, this is general information that you all know about the test- what’s more to know about it?
Are Colleges Accepting Students Without SAT Scores?
The SAT- The Make-or-Break Test
The Standardized Admissions Test is a college entrance exam used to consider student applications in colleges across the United States and in some cases, other countries too! It is designed to measure a student’s competencies and proficiency in 3 key areas- critical reading, math and writing. You are eligible to take up the SAT right after you start grade 11- so if you want to get a practice run before the actual test or if you just want to get as many attempts as you can to try and better your score and send the best of your attempts to universities, it is best to start early and start giving the exams as early as the 11th grade.
The SAT is structured as given below:
- As mentioned above, the SAT primarily tests the examinee on three vital areas- math, reading (comprehension of passages) and writing.
- You also have the option to write an essay that isn’t part of these three sections. But it is called an option only for formalities’ sake- a lot of students give the essay to boost their tests. As of January 2021, the optional essay section has been scrapped.
- The test goes on for a total time of 3 hours. If you choose to take the essay, you’ll have to sit an additional 50 minutes. So, the total would be 3 hours and 50 minutes.
- The reading test is for an hour and another 5 minutes and the writing test is for 35 minutes. The reading test will mostly test you on reading and vocabulary while the writing test aims to check your proficiency in grammar and good usage of the language.
- The math test is for a good 80 minutes with 58 questions. This tests your knowledge of algebra and data analysis. It also checks your geometry, trigonometry and pre-calculus skills.
Now that you know what the test is all about, here is a list of a few universities in the USA that do not require you to take it if you choose not to.
I Don’t Want To Take The SAT- Will I Get In Anywhere?
Yes- colleges are admitting students without taking the SAT. So, you stand a solid chance of getting a proper college life. Due to the COVID pandemic, to repair the inequalities between those who are privileged enough to prepare for the test during a global pandemic and those who are not. But even before that, a lot of colleges had this scheme going on- they are called test-optional colleges.
These colleges mostly take into account your academic transcripts from your immediately preceding educational institution- which is usually the prime factor. But it isn’t the only one!
These test-optional colleges usually take a look at certain things as enumerated below:
- Statement of Purpose: If you’re looking for your application to have the X-factor that’ll take you through to the finish line, the SOP is the way to go. This is the only submission on your end that doesn’t depend on any factors apart from who you are and what you want to do. You may even stand a chance to get into a good college if your SOP is good enough- regardless of the grades on your transcripts. This is your chance to talk about why you want to be part of their university and add a personal touch to your application. The admissions officer will have a chance to see you for you and evaluate you based on who you are. So, make you hit this one out of the park- this is your best shot.
- Essay Prompt: Some universities may ask you to submit an essay prompt- this is where they provide you with the starting matter or the subject matter and ask you to elaborate. This helps them see the amount of knowledge you possess on a particular subject. Due to the nature of this task, it is usually subject-centric.
- Extracurriculars: Colleges want to admit well-rounded individuals who can add to their campus life. This is where you show some extracurricular prowess. Students who display excellence in a few areas are preferred over those who show moderate excellence in a lot of areas.
- Practical Experience: While it is not probable that you have any credible work experience while finishing high school, you can list anything you consider noteworthy. It can be anything- working shifts at your parent’s business or a part-time gig at your local McDonald’s.
Colleges That are accepting Students without SAT Scores As Of 2022:
- Boston University
- Columbia University
- Drexel University
- Harvard University
- Rhodes College
- Stanford University
- University of Pennsylvania
- University of Vermont
- Art Academy of Cincinnati
- Ashland University
- Brown University
- Caltech
- Central Michigan University
- Chicago State University
- Concord University
- Dartmouth College
- Fordham University
- Fisk University
- Berkeley University
- University of Connecticut
Conclusion
So, if you’re part of the demographic that couldn’t give the SAT because of your difficulties during the COVID pandemic or if you just got a bad score and don’t want to risk your application, you might want to opt for colleges for whom testing is optional too. If this is the case, this article has what you need to have covered to make your application a successful one. Please remember, competition in test-optional colleges is just as high in test-compulsory ones- so do not take your prerequisites lightly. These colleges expect more from their prospects since they don’t have a standard metric to evaluate you with. Good luck with your application and your college life!
