Test-Optional, good for you or good for the college?
"Why does a college go test-optional?"
Rumor has it that colleges don't value SAT's any longer as an indicator of college success. I would say that is a fallacy, a false belief, a feel-good response for parents of "poor test-takers." From a college standpoint, going test-optional has nothing to do with the value of SAT scores, but rather, it is purely a sound business decision, here's why-
A test-optional policy drives a substantial increase in the number of applicants. An increase in applicants serves two fabulous business purposes of the college.
1) A rise in the number of applicants results in a lower "acceptance-rate", which is a big deal to the college. A lower acceptance rate makes the college appear to be more selective, which in turn allows them to increase their tuition.
2) A rise in the number of applicants drives up the revenues of the Admission Office. For example, an increase of 5,000 applicants at $70 per application fee = $350,000 of application income. This is a very big deal in the Admission Office.
Make no mistake about it, the college is serving its own business interests with this policy, and it works well for them. They are not trying to be nice to you.
A test-optional policy drives a substantial increase in the number of applicants. An increase in applicants serves two fabulous business purposes of the college.
1) A rise in the number of applicants results in a lower "acceptance-rate", which is a big deal to the college. A lower acceptance rate makes the college appear to be more selective, which in turn allows them to increase their tuition.
2) A rise in the number of applicants drives up the revenues of the Admission Office. For example, an increase of 5,000 applicants at $70 per application fee = $350,000 of application income. This is a very big deal in the Admission Office.
Make no mistake about it, the college is serving its own business interests with this policy, and it works well for them. They are not trying to be nice to you.
Join us for much more on this and other important college matters on my next webinar coming right up-
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Hans