Although it’s just a small sample size, I’d look back at the admissions threads from this last admissions cycle here for the schools your D25 is looking at. That’s what I’ve done to determine, coupled with the % shown on the most recent CDS and statements from each school, if my S25 and S26 need to submit scores. For the most part, for S25, he’s going to submit scores to be most competitive. I’ve seen a clear preference at those schools for scores. Look at what the mid 50% is for those schools (from CDS or if updated on each admissions website). If they show a preference for scores and she’s in the range, I’d submit. But for S26, totally different kid, most of his schools look to be truly TO (for now). Schools are different so it really varies.
I think it depends on the school, but from the data I have seen for the two more competitive NC state schools (NC State and UNC), kids who submit scores are accepted at far higher rates than those who don’t. So while they are test optional, they seem to like seeing those test scores! We know a couple of kids who didn’t get into UNC and while both were highly ranked in their class (in state), neither submitted a score.
Last year UNC was 81% and NC State 72%.
I assume but don’t know athletes were likely lower than that so regular, unhooked higher.
That’s a combo of SAT and ACT. The actual might be a bit lower if some submitted both - for example, NC State was 43% submitted ACT and 29% SAT.
So your hypothesis is likely right on target.
Interesting tweet by Rick Clark today. No details beyond what Rick states, hoping more of this story comes out:
So the student applied TO ?
I wonder if he validated this or is taking the student’s word. He should really name the school.
It doesn’t seem realistic to me.
Not saying it isn’t true - just wish he showed some sort of validation / verification.
Agree. Smells like a lawsuit if true. My guess is something was dishonest in the application, there’s a disciplinary issue, or the kid bombed a class at the end.
I only know what Rick posted. But yes, seems like the student applied TO.
There’s more to this story IMO. Whether Rick knows and doesn’t share, or he simply doesn’t know is unclear. This seems mighty sus.
I agree there must be something more to the story, but OTOH I trust that Rick vetted the basics as he’s well aware the influence his tweets can have.
Can a school even procure a test result without the student’s consent?
Will be interesting to hear more.
Could also be a correlation is not causation thing (meaning, the acceptance was rescinded but not necessarily because of bad test scores).
Wondering if the student sent it. But at least all verbiage I’ve seen says even if you have, if you say no we will not use it.
Logically there has to be more to this story.
It’s unfortunate the posting came with no details. No matter how esteemed you are, it matters.
Well, that’s what Dartmouth said they did to get the test scores for the non-admitted students who applied test optional as part of their ‘study’
ETA Some high schools put test scores on transcripts which I think is a Ferpa violation, and if not that, an ethical one.
Students can get their admission revoked for various reasons unrelated to test scores or lack thereof to test optional colleges. The usual ones that get talked about are D or F grades in in-progress courses, or major drop in GPA for the final semester/year of in-progress courses.
Wondering if they maybe got it through the student search test score ranges they provide to colleges who buy your name?
Agreed! He likely did poorly in a class or was found to lie about something.
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