The Ivy league schools consist of eight universities that are considered to be the top elite private universities in the United States. These are some of the oldest, most recognized schools which consistently stay in the top 20 universities in the United States. Let’s find out Are the Ivy league schools going test optional?
Each University has its own rigorous selective methods and all of them have SAT scores as one of the evaluation criteria. Due to COVID, every Ivy league college has decided to go Test-Optional where the student can submit their application with or without their SAT scores. The applicant won’t be rejected for not having an SAT score while submitting their application.
Test optional policy
Before the pandemic, SAT scores were one of the admission criteria to filter out the applicants. But with the pandemic and the fast changes in circumstances, the test-optional policy has been introduced where the applicant can choose whether or not to submit their SAT scores while applying to colleges in the United States.
This policy has been introduced due to covid since it was hard for the students to find a test center and availability of test slots. As per this policy, students can choose to get their profiles evaluated in two different ways – profile with or without SAT scores.
Irrespective of the evaluation method they choose, both the applicants will be given equal importance and consideration during the evaluation process.
Things to consider during your application process:
- Do you have a strong profile?
- Do you have SAT scores that will be a plus to your profile?
- Is there a valid reason for you to not take the SATs?
- Are you an international or home-schooled student?
What is SAT?
The SAT – the Scholastic Assessment Test is a national-level examination that is used for admissions in the United States. Like GPA, your SAT scores are also another data point that is used to filter out the applicants. The exam is three hours long with two sections, Math and Evidence-Based Reading and writing which test the students’ ability and readiness for college studies.
Ivy league school’s evaluation process:
The applicant will be rated on each of the following six categories,
- Academics
- Extracurriculars
- Athletics
- Interpersonal skills
- Recommendation letters (LORs)
- Alumni interview
Each of the Ivy League schools gives different weightage to the above aspects. A candidate will have an advantage if they have a good profile in academics, athletics, extracurriculars, and LORs from much-recognized places.
What do Ivy league schools look for in a student?
Ivy League schools look for a student who is good in both academics and extracurricular activities. They want a student who has been consistent throughout their academics and has excellence in extracurricular activities. Apart from this, an excellent admission essay will put you at an advantage during your admission process.
For international and home-schooled students
The test-optional policy is applicable for international students too during the year 2022-2023. International students don’t require SAT scores for their admission. But will require an IELTS or TOEFL score if English is not their native language.
Homeschooled students do come under the test-optional policy. But a valid SAT score would be considered an add-on to their profile.
For students who apply on fall 2024
As of now, the test-optional policy applies to students who are applying for the year 2022-2023. Only after the fall of 2023, it’ll be decided whether or not this policy can be availed. If the same situation continues, then there is a greater chance for the policy to be continued further.
Conclusion
Because of the pandemic, for admissions 2022-2023, candidates do not necessarily need an SAT score. They can choose to avail or not avail of the test-optional policy.
As per the test-optional policy, due to circumstances, if the candidate were not able to take the SAT or not able to score well, they can choose to be evaluated only based on their profile without an SAT score. Those who have a valid SAT score can apply with their SAT score. But irrespective of whether or not a candidate has an SAT score, every applicant will be evaluated equally without any biases as per test-optional policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) Will going test-optional affect my chance of getting selected?
No, whether or not you go for test-optional, both the applications will be evaluated holistically. Going test-optional will neither increase nor decrease your chance of getting selected.
2) Do international students come under test-optional policy?
Yes, international students come under test-optional policy and are not required to take the SAT. But they do need a valid TOFEL and IELTS score if their native language is not English.
3) Will going test-optional have an impact on merit scholarship?
No, going test-optional will not have an impact on a merit scholarship. The scholarship will be calculated based on the candidate’s profile and overall performance.
4)How much should you score on the SAT to apply for Ivy league schools?
An average score of 75 percentile and above is considered ideal( around 1580/1600). The 75 percentile score changes every year based on the overall performance of the students.
5) What is the maximum score on the SAT?
The maximum SAT score has been reduced to 1600 since 2016. Before 2016, the maximum SAT score used to be 2400.
6) How many Ivy league schools are there?
There are eight Ivy league schools namely, Princeton University, Columbia University, University of Pennsylvania, Harvard University, Yale University,Dartmouth College, Brown University, and Cornell University.