The Misleading Nature of College Average SAT and ACT Scores in the Test-Optional Era

In the landscape of American higher education, the shift towards test-optional admissions has introduced a new dynamic in how college selectivity and student academic profiles are perceived. Both the SAT and ACT, long-standing benchmarks for college readiness, have been at the center of this transformation, particularly since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. While national test scores hover at a 30-year low, many selective colleges report their highest average SAT and ACT scores ever, raising questions about the authenticity and implications of these statistics.

The Test-Optional Impact

The test-optional policy, initially adopted by many colleges as a response to the logistical challenges posed by the pandemic, has become more permanent for some institutions. This policy allows students to decide whether to submit their SAT or ACT scores, fundamentally altering the composition of scores colleges consider for admissions.

Statistics reveal a stark contrast:

• Only about 44% of students using the Common Application submitted SAT or ACT scores in early 2024, marking a significant decline from 77% the previous year. This shift suggests that students with lower scores are opting out, while those with scores that would enhance their applications are choosing to submit them.

Inflated Averages

The selective nature of score submission has led to an inflation in reported average scores at colleges. For instance:

• SAT Scores:
  • Northeastern University reported a middle 50% SAT score range of 1410-1530 for the entering class in 2024, which is competitive with many Ivy League institutions.
  • Boston College and Villanova similarly show high averages, with Villanova’s middle 50% SAT score range at 1350-1500.
• ACT Scores:
  • The national average ACT score for the class of 2023 was 19.5, the lowest in three decades, yet some colleges are reporting averages significantly higher than this:
    • Northeastern University had an average ACT composite score of 33-35 for the class of 2024.
    • Boston College reported an average ACT score of 32-34 for the same year.
    • Villanova University showed an average ACT score in the range of 31-34.

This phenomenon occurs because only students who believe their scores will benefit their application submit them, thus skewing the average upwards.

Misleading Perceptions and Realities

The high reported averages can be misleading for several reasons:

1. Selectivity Perception: Colleges with higher average scores are perceived as more selective, which can boost their rankings and appeal. U.S. News & World Report, for example, still uses these averages in its ranking methodology, despite the test-optional landscape.
2. Applicant Intimidation: Prospective students, seeing these high averages, might feel discouraged from applying, thinking they don’t measure up, even though the policy is “optional.”
3. Ranking Manipulation: There’s an incentive for colleges to maintain or elevate their perceived selectivity. Schools that do not reach a 75% score submission rate see their average scores adjusted downwards in rankings, prompting institutions to encourage score submission from high scorers.

Equity and Diversity Concerns

The test-optional policy has aimed to level the playing field, particularly for students from less privileged backgrounds who might not have the same access to test preparation resources. However, there’s a counterargument:

• Economic Disparity: Research shows that students from higher-income families are more likely to submit scores, given they can afford preparation and retakes, thus potentially maintaining or even exacerbating socioeconomic disparities in admissions.
• Diversity Impact: While there’s an intent to increase diversity, the data on whether test-optional policies truly enhance racial, ethnic, or socioeconomic diversity remains mixed. Some studies suggest that without test scores, other factors like GPA become primary, which might not always favor underrepresented groups if they attend schools with less rigorous grading standards.

Conclusion

The current trend of reporting high average SAT and ACT scores by colleges during this test-optional era paints a picture that’s more about optics than reality. It’s a game of numbers where the absence of mandatory testing has led to an environment where only the highest scores are showcased, potentially misguiding public perception about the selectivity and academic profile of incoming classes.

For applicants, understanding this dynamic is crucial. It’s important to look beyond the numbers, consider the holistic review process many schools now emphasize, and not be deterred by inflated statistics. For colleges, transparency about the implications of their test-optional policies could help in setting more realistic expectations and fostering true educational equity.

As we move forward, colleges might need to reassess how they report and use test scores, or perhaps, consider new metrics that more accurately reflect the capabilities and diversity of their student body.