Student, Faculty, and Staff Perspectives on Test-Optional Admissions in Two State Systems

Through this research, we sought to better understand the impact of test-optional policies on the stakeholders most affected by them: students.

We interviewed 97 students, admissions professionals, faculty, staff, and non-profit college coaches at two selective public state flagships.

Some argue that institutions need test scores to admit strong students, or that requiring the SAT/ACT is necessary to expand access. Debunking these claims, we found:

• Students widely supported test-optional policies, discussing how they facilitated access and fostered a sense of possibility during the application process. They described standardized testing as “pay-to-play,” rife with inequities.

• Admissions professionals reported that they were fully able to identify qualified students without mandatory test scores.

• Faculty and staff did not report feeling that students admitted via test-optional policies were unable to meet academic requirements at their institutions

• Students reported high satisfaction with their college experiences.

We offer actionable, evidence-based steps institutions can take to enhance test-optional policies (e.g., providing clearer guidance on when score submission would be beneficial).