Test-optional colleges are institutions of higher education that do not require applicants to submit standardized test scores, such as the SAT or ACT, as part of their application. This policy has become increasingly common in recent years, with over 1,000 colleges and universities in the United States now test-optional.
There are many benefits to test-optional admissions. For one, it can help to level the playing field for students from all backgrounds. Standardized tests have been shown to be biased against students from low-income families and students of color. By making these tests optional, colleges and universities can help to ensure that all students have a fair chance of admission.