Specific Landscape content is not public, but CB does provide an overview of how it works:
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Thanks, this is helpful; however, given that the rationale for ending test optional is that students from underrepresented backgrounds err on the side of not submitting scores that actually are strong in comparison to their zipcode, it seems obvious that providing the students with this reference point would provide transparency and allow them to make a more informed decision. Yet another example of how the College Board and the admissions community fail to provide transparency and information that applicants have a right to know.
DS submitted SAT (1540)
Any news on waitlist movement or when to expect it?
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Thank you, do you think test optional in your situation effected the schools that were applied to?
Welcome to the discussion, in past years there was movement even into the early summer.
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From what I know from DSâ results and those of other seniors at his school those that submitted test scores had better outcomes than those that didnât. He had a 1540 on SAT and 5âs on all of his APâs.
It is just my opinion/the info from schoolâs counseling staff but without a reason not to take the tests the colleges presume the scores are lower than they probably are.
Esp this year when so many colleges went back to requiring- they know how many seniors actually took the SAT/ACT that number is back to pre covid numbers.
Agreed, one more question, as schools such as Williams and Princeton weigh whether to follow Harvard and many others as you mention that require testing, do you think going back to test required will hinder their ability to recruit under represented groups or reduce their apolicant pool? Should they stay test optional to keep drawing the largest and more diverse pool?
Honestly, if one paid attention, Princetonâs language always indicated more âtest preferredâ than test optional. I there does not seem to be a huge number of TO applicants getting accepted. For the class of 26â only 20% of enrolled non athletes did not submit scores, and Iâd venture those kids still submitted APs or something of the sort.
During the TO period schools like Princeton and Williams, in part because these schools mission/institutional prior had already been evolving, in part because of the end of affirmative action, have invested significantly resources in recruiting FGLI kids including an increased commitment to Questbridge. They have no trouble hitting their FGLI goals.
What I have noticed is a shift to prioritizing these applicants in ED/REA. The sad reality is that FGLI kids are not overwhelmingly prepared for Williams or Princeton in the way that affluent kids are. Colleges are all fighting for a group that is relatively small, and they need to guarantee them up front.
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I agree, I think they expect lower SAT/ACT scores from FGLI students, they are looking for scores that are higher than others in the same situation a 1300 while far below the Williams etc average is outstanding given the resources/environment. If those students apply TO the schools are flying blind and they canât tell which kids could catch up with support from those who probably canât make it.
Agree on the up front whether that is ED which may not work well for students afraid to commit without full picture on financial aid or Quest Bridge.
Agreed, the question is whether the trade off between getting more apps from students that would not apply otherwise vs not having to fly blind on academic assessment is a hard one. I think smaller schools like Williams may feel pressured to follow Harvard in requiring testing to maintain its reputation for academic rigor?
Well⊠as much as I am a believer in tests as part of the picture, Bowdoin has had no issue with their academic reputation and they have been TO for decades.
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Noted, will be interesting to see where the other NESCAC schools land on this issue, would think that if Williams and few others such as Princeton and Bowdoin stay test optional, that will allow others to do the same, but if all of the Ivies drop test optional, it will be harder for the NESCAC schools to say they are similarly selective or competitive.
Like Bowdoin, Bates has also been test-optional for decades. The policy has nothing to do with Covid, and I donât anticipate them changing it.
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Understood but the other NESCACs such as Williams and Amherst that went test optional during COVID experienced significant increases in applications, received apps from high schools that had not been on their radar screen. If they go back to test required, their apps will likely revert to their historical trend lines which will impact acceptance percentages which have ranged in the 6-8 percent range.
A 7% acceptance rate doesnât suddenly make Northeastern more academically prestigious. I donât think low acceptance rate will be the driver of the testing decision.
Agreed, the acceptance rate is correlated with applications which can vary significantly but it does impact how students view college selectivity and perceived excellence..
Interesting article from the NYT quoting Williams President Maud Mandel in the endowment tax impact on the financial aid, also the table shows Williams, Amherst, Pomona being subject the tax to varying degrees:
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/20/us/universities-endowment-tax-republicans.html
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Interesting op-ed response from a Williams professor arguing for test optional as Bowdoin has been known to be:
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A bit of good summer news for the Class of 2029! The endowment tax as passed by the Senate excludes colleges such as Williams, article from the Record below, this will avoid negative impacts on financial aid for the incoming class:
College spared from endowment tax increase â The Williams Record
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