Is Test-Optional Right for You? Pros and Cons for International Students

Recently, an increasing number of universities, especially in the United States, have introduced admissions policies that are test-optional. Students no longer need to provide their examination results with a standardized test such as the SAT or ACT. International students may find this change a very mixed one, to say the least. Nowadays, applying for universities without test scores is among the 'lost at storm' situations for students who can't decide on whether they should go on or not. Pros and Cons are shared here that can help a student with his decision-making on the matter.

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Pros of Test-Optional for International Students

1. Reduces Pressure

Remembering all the preparation that students need to do while at the same time being in school, doing extracurricular activities, and even speaking various languages, we can see that it can be quite overwhelming for them. The stress load can be relieved through test-optional policies, which means that the youth can focus on other parts of their application, such as essays, portfolios, recommendation letters, etc.

2. Levels the Playing Field

The same conditions for all candidates are hardly a reality for those who had taken SAT/ACT preparatory programs before the tests. In some places, the tests can be more troublesome to pass or more expensive. Test-optional tracking provides a wider meaning to the international youth populations with a real opportunity to present their skills.

3. Highlights Holistic Strengths

You can speak about all the other good things that you have, and not just about the numbers, as this is the true idea behind the introduction of test-optional policies. Your personal story, academic consistency, leadership, creativity, or global experiences can be much more persuasive within these applications without having to worry about the testing.

4. Flexibility in Application Strategy

If you take a test and it is not as good as you expected, you are free to decide not to send the score, and this will not be a problem for you. This is a way for you to have the ability to decide and to underline the stronger points of your personality through the application process.

Cons of Test-Optional for International Students

1. Concentration on the Rest of the Application Components

With no results from tests, other parts of your application are the most important. Your essays, grades and extracurricular activities have to be strong and skillfully presented. This might be a difficult task for international students whose grading systems are often different or if English is not their first language.

2. Limited Test-Optional Policies for Some Programs

Even though most schools are test-optional in terms of standard admissions, potential programs, such as STEM or business, may still require or prefer test scores. Always make sure about the major you have in mind by rechecking the requirements.

3. Scholarships and Visa Considerations

Certain colleges and universities make use of test scores for merit scholarships or honours programs. Also, there are certain countries where visa officers will use test scores as a point of assessment. If you are banking on financial aid or you are afraid that your visa application process might not be successful, then test scores might definitely serve as an advantage to you.

4. Uncertainty in Evaluation

In the absence of test scores, admissions counsellors will lean heavily on the personal attributes specified in your essays and recommendations in order to evaluate the applications. On the bright side, it can contribute favourably to you; on the other hand, it introduces additional unpredictability in the assessment process.

Conclusion

The best option that allows you to make an unbiased decision is to research the policy of each university you are interested in and to pursue the one you are good at with a clear demonstration of self.

At the end of the day, the best possible path you can follow is to find out the policy of each university, identify your strengths, and apply an approach that demonstrates the best version of yourself.

We know and understand that the application process can be overwhelming, so we are here for you. The study abroad experts at Hello Study Global are there for you every step of the way. From preparing for entrance exams to college applications, we will guide you to success.

Feel free to reach out to us at Hello Study Global.

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