Understanding Test Optional, Test Blind, and Test Flexible Admissions Policies

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What is Test Flexible?

The term “test flexible” means that a student can choose from a variety of tests that can be used to demonstrate college readiness, not just the SAT or ACT. A great example is NYU, which lists IB and AP, among other tests., As with most other colleges, these colleges are likely to be test optional for at least the class entering in Fall 2022.

What is Test Blind?

Test blind colleges won’t look at SAT or ACT scores, even if you submit them. If you’re applying to a test blind college, you don’t need to send scores to that school. But unless you are ONLY applying to test blind colleges you still need to consider whether test scores will help with other college applications.

For more information on the test optional landscape, check out our blog post: https://www.aplustutoring.com/test-optional-tips-and-trends/

What’s best for you?

Ultimately, what’s best for you and your student largely depends on your student’s goals as well as diagnostic SAT and ACT scores. If you would like a personalized consultation on whether or not your student should submit scores, simply contact us today!

What is Test Optional?

If you’ve found yourself confused about the new college admissions testing landscape, you are not alone.

Here’s what A+ recommends for all students:

Take a diagnostic SAT and ACT! You have nothing to lose by taking practice tests to see how you may score. A+ offers every student one free diagnostic SAT and ACT.
Be open and honest about your goals. Depending on the colleges you are interested in and the career you are looking to pursue, applying without scores may be a fit for you.
Read up on your college choices carefully! See what their requirements and recommendations are.
Remember that recently updated “average test scores” for colleges will be altered now that we are a year into the test optional landscape. Published test score ranges are most likely higher than they were before the pandemic, as students with lower scores are simply not submitting them.

Keep in mind:

Colleges and universities that are test optional are most likely receiving more applications than they did before the pandemic. Without scores, and among so many applicants, it can be even more challenging for you to stand out.
If you are an athlete, you may be required to submit scores even if the school is test optional.

So, what does “test optional” mean?

Test Optional colleges will consider SAT and ACT scores as a part of your application, but they do not require them. It is completely up to you whether you chose to submit scores or not. If you submit scores, the college will consider them as a part of your application for acceptance. If you’ve done well on the SAT or ACT, it will absolutely benefit your application to submit them. In fact, if you and another student look similar on paper, test scores could be the deciding factor on admittance.

On the other hand, if your score is below the range of scores the college or university is looking for, it may benefit you to not submit scores and instead look at adding to your application in other ways.

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   Angela Jay 
 2024-02-15
 
 
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A+ Tutoring proved to be a transformative experience for me, surpassing all my expectations. Without hesitation, I wholeheartedly recommend A+ Tutoring to any parent or guardian seeking academic improvement and aiming to unlock their child’s full potential.

Prior to selecting A+, I carefully researched and evaluated other services. My goals were twofold: to prepare my son for the standardized testing required for preparatory school and college applications, and to enhance his time management skills and study habits.

Mr. John’s personalized approach resonated with my son’s personality and specific learning needs. Despite my son’s demanding sports schedule, Mr. John was incredibly flexible and accommodating. The sessions were comprehensive, combining instruction, engaging conversations, and homework assignments to reinforce existing concepts and introduce new ones in advanced math, English, and science.

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 2023-11-28
 
 
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   Leah Reinhard Peshek 
 2023-11-15
 
 
   I just wanted to thank A+ for helping my son achieve his goals. He worked with 2 instructors Andrew and Barbara for both the SAT and AP exams. Whatever they did it was magic! Not only did he get the results he wanted- he surpassed them. It was hands-off for me, he scheduled and communicated with his instructors on his own, which taught him responsibility and accountability. Yet, their lesson follow-up emails kept me in the loop. I can’t recommend them any more highly. If you decide to use them you won’t be disappointed, you will see a student who is better prepared for their studies as well as any tests they choose to take- they even seem more mature and confident. A+ I’m giving you an A+ Thank you so much, Leah Reinhard.
  
 
 
       
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 2023-10-28
 
 
   We had a great experience with A+ Test Prep and Tutoring. I appreciated that the tutor tailored the sessions around our daughter's needs and worked with her strengths. I can definitely recommend this program to anyone needing some extra support.
  
 
 
       
   Rhiannon Kelly 
 2023-08-31
 
 
   My son needed assistance preparing for an exam. We reached out to A+ test prep and they were wonderful. They were able to schedule him for tutoring without an delays. Their knowledge, assistance and guidance speaks volumes. A+ exceeded all outlets expectations. Thank you
  
 
 
       
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 2023-07-06
 
 
   The tutors were terrific, very thoughtful and really understood my child's needs in terms of studying. The hours worked well with our schedule and the homework assigned was super helpful!
  
 
 
       
   V Penz 
 2023-06-22
 
 
   A+ Test Prep provided superior tutoring custom-tailored to meet my son’s specific needs and learning style. His SAT score increased by 160 points with 12 hours of tutoring!!! That put him well-within range for all of the schools to which he is applying. A+ truly listened to make sure they exceeded our expectations starting with matching our son with Rob. He is an experienced tutor who set goals and developed a specialized plan. Rob taught clear, structured, organized lessons, helped my son plan his practice and homework, and taught test stress-management and relaxation techniques. These lessons also helped fill-in gaps from the pandemic.  The writing, reading and math lessons and strategies  Rob taught gave Dylan a strong foundation of critical-thinking skills which will serve him well in college, the work-force, and beyond.  A+ staff, including Rob, gave prompt, detailed and insightful feedback after each session. You will get ENORMOUS value for your financial investment with A+.  I investigated 6 other tutoring companies and am confident A+ was the best for tailoring their tutoring to a program that best fit my son’s learning style!!
  
 
 
       
   Megan Gasper 
 2023-05-26
 
 
   This tutoring program literally changed my daughters test scores by 1000 points, and they were so helpful, and communicative with me the entire time. I really recommend them for every student, whether they are trying to make their test scores better, or make their scores above excellent
  
 
 
       
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 2023-05-04
 
 
   We chose A+ for Preparation to help our daughter prepare for college entrance exams. May daughter had Pam for the verbal portion of the exam. Pam was amazing! She asked about extra-curricular activities and demonstrated genuine interest in my daughter's role as a student in and outside of the classroom. Pam also noted how important these activities are to colleges. John was the tutor for math and science. He helped my daughter feel comfortable and confident in her skills. My daughter's ACT composite score went up 5 points! I would highly recommend A+ for Test Preparation!
  
 
 
  
 
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