Optional?
More and more we are seeing colleges put the word “optional” next to certain requirements. It may be “test-optional” or “optional writing supplement” and “optional interview” to name a few. Is this a trick? Is anything truly optional?
Let’s break it down.
“Test-Optional”
The current trend of going “test-optional” seems to be growing each year. This means schools are giving prospective students the option of NOT submit standardized test scores (ACT/SAT). Why? There are many people in education who believe standardized testing is not a true reflection of a student’s abilities.
So when should you actually do test optional? If you are TRULY a bad test taker. I know many students self-identify as being a “bad test taker” but what I mean by a truly bad test taker is: your standardized test scores do not even come close to representing your academic aptitude and they do not match the rigor of courses and grades that appear on your transcript. So you are an A student, with a high GPA in rigorous courses, but you can’t meet the benchmarks for the standardized tests.
Something to keep in mind: Read the fine print. Many schools that are “test-optional” put in a caveat that if you do NOT submit your standardized test scores, you take yourself out of the running for merit-based scholarships. So if you’re banking on earning a merit-scholarship you have to submit those test scores. Other schools have a cut off, meaning you have to have X GPA in order to opt out of submitting test scores. Though this trend is growing, a small percentage of students who actually opt out of submitting test scores are admitted. Put it this way, an admissions rep told me that about 1/3 of applicants do not submit test scores--only about 1/3 of that original 1/3 are admitted.
For a further look at test optional check out this New York Times article.
“Interview Optional”
NOT optional, especially if the school is one of your top choices and its realistic for you to travel there for an interview. You must go! Schedule the interview (typically these are done through the admissions websites). If you can’t get to campus ask if there is an alumni rep you can meet with locally. Show up in business professional dress, brush up on current events, make sure you’ve read a book recently for pleasure (NOT just summer reading requirements), know about the school (majors/minors/campus activities), ask questions, shake hands, and make good eye contact.
“Essay Optional”
NOT optional. Essay’s and writing supplements are the ONE place in an application where you can shine and your personality can come through (besides an interview). There is a reason the 1st common app essay question is: Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
Schools are aware that not every aspect of your being will come across in a basic college application. They are giving you an opportunity to set yourself apart from other applicants. Tell your story! ALWAYS submit “optional” writing supplements. The only time I don’t recommend submitting an optional writing supplement is if you waited until the last minute and the writing piece is rushed therefore not a good representation of you.
Let’s put it this way: Anytime you see “optional” consider whether submitting that piece will help or hurt your application. 9 times out of 10 going that extra mile helps.
Until next time,
Mrs. Collett
