Do you really need to stress over standardized tests?

While many high school students spend hours preparing for the SAT and ACT, test scores aren’t actually the most important part of a college application. In fact, a test-optional admissions process is the best way for colleges to assess prospective students.

That’s why St. Olaf College has gone test-optional. Our small, tight-knit community in Northfield, Minnesota is made up of students with all different kinds of backgrounds, interests, and achievements that their high school test scores don’t tell us about.

We use a test-optional admissions process because it promotes equity and inclusion. Though some students feel that their test score is a strong component of their application, that’s not true for all applicants. A student’s performance in high school coursework is the best indicator of success in college, and there are obstacles outside of students’ control that affect standardized test performance.

Though some students feel that their test score is a strong component of their application, that’s not true for all applicants.

The SAT and ACT also don’t show the whole picture. Admissions processes should be holistic, taking into account students’ passions and accomplishments both in and out of the classroom. Test scores don’t communicate a student’s diverse talents, or whether they’re deeply curious, or whether they want to be part of a strong campus community.

Those are the things that really tell us you belong at St. Olaf.

Your application should empower you, not add extra stress. At St. Olaf, we believe that students shouldn’t have to rely on a test score to apply to college. Because we want to know the real you — not just the number you scored on the ACT.

Learn more!