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Cute. Disclosure, I make the data (transcripts, test scores) flow to decision makers as part of my day job at a Big 10 University. We just went "test optional".

Cute. Disclosure, I make the data (transcripts, test scores) flow to decision makers as part of my day job at a Big 10 University. We just went "test optional". I view "test optional" as a signaling exercise. In brief, how closely can you read the instructions and infer what you are not being told? The key is "test optional". If you sit for the test, you get more than just admissions, as merit-based financial awards are unlocked. The University Admissions does not require a test, but many of the donor contracts that fund scholarships do require those tests.

felideon 4y ago
Interesting, and good to know! But wouldn't you say that students are better off not submitting their scores if they scored low on the tests? Only given a sufficiently high enough score does it become a "nothing to lose" situation. Unless the issue is students just don't want to take the test to begin with.
- WBrentWilliams 4y ago
  I'm saying that you can be admitted without test scores. You leave money on the table when negotiating the bill when you do not take the test. Opting not to take the test could be an optimum strategy if you already know that the offered awards will not apply to you.
tqi 4y ago
> I view "test optional" as a signaling exercise. In brief, how closely can you read the instructions and infer what you are not being told? Sorry, what does that mean - who is the "you" in that sentence, and what are they inferring? It sounds like what you mean is that that your school went test optional (ostensibly to help level the playing field), but those who are lucky or privileged enough to have the secret decoder ring can decipher the instructions and find the key to optimizing their chances of admission. If so (as someone who grew up with immigrant parents who were educated but definitely would not have had the awareness to navigate this), that seems really fucked up...
- WBrentWilliams 4y ago
  The English language has a plural "you". The word "you", in this case, means "anyone who applies for admission". I said nothing about increasing or decreasing your chances of admission.
  - tqi 4y ago
    It could also have easily meant "you" as in the person evaluating the application, "you" pedantic ass. If it doesn't change you chance of admission then what is the applicant supposed to be infering from your cryptic instructions?

felideon 4y ago

Interesting, and good to know! But wouldn't you say that students are better off not submitting their scores if they scored low on the tests? Only given a sufficiently high enough score does it become a "nothing to lose" situation. Unless the issue is students just don't want to take the test to begin with.

WBrentWilliams 4y ago
I'm saying that you can be admitted without test scores. You leave money on the table when negotiating the bill when you do not take the test. Opting not to take the test could be an optimum strategy if you already know that the offered awards will not apply to you.

tqi 4y ago

> I view "test optional" as a signaling exercise. In brief, how closely can you read the instructions and infer what you are not being told? Sorry, what does that mean - who is the "you" in that sentence, and what are they inferring? It sounds like what you mean is that that your school went test optional (ostensibly to help level the playing field), but those who are lucky or privileged enough to have the secret decoder ring can decipher the instructions and find the key to optimizing their chances of admission. If so (as someone who grew up with immigrant parents who were educated but definitely would not have had the awareness to navigate this), that seems really fucked up...

WBrentWilliams 4y ago
The English language has a plural "you". The word "you", in this case, means "anyone who applies for admission". I said nothing about increasing or decreasing your chances of admission.
- tqi 4y ago
  It could also have easily meant "you" as in the person evaluating the application, "you" pedantic ass. If it doesn't change you chance of admission then what is the applicant supposed to be infering from your cryptic instructions?