Applying to college in a test-optional admissions landscape: trends from Common App data

During the 2020–21 application cycle, nearly 90% of Common App institutions adopted test-optional policies. This shift had a notable impact on how students reported their standardized test scores, revealing patterns influenced by geography, socioeconomic status, and college selectivity.

Key findings include:

• The percentage of applicants submitting test scores dropped from roughly 77% in 2019–20 to 43% in 2020–21.
• Submission rates varied by region, with students in the Southeast and Midwest reporting scores more frequently than those in the Northeast and Northwest.
• Students from lower-income ZIP codes, first-generation backgrounds, and underrepresented minority groups were less likely to submit scores.
• Applicants were more likely to submit scores to highly selective colleges, indicating that optional policies did not eliminate the incentive to share strong test results when aiming for competitive schools.

These findings highlight how test-optional policies offer flexibility for students while still enabling them to capitalize on strong standardized test performance. Understanding these trends can help colleges and applicants make informed decisions and navigate the evolving admissions landscape effectively.