American University has adopted a test-optional policy for undergraduate admissions starting with the 2025-2026 application cycle. This means that applicants will no longer be required to submit standardized test scores (SAT or ACT) as part of their application.
There are several reasons why American University has made this change. First, research has shown that standardized testing is not a good predictor of college success. In fact, many factors, such as high school GPA, extracurricular activities, and letters of recommendation, are better indicators of how well a student will do in college. Second, standardized tests can be expensive and time-consuming to prepare for, and they can create unnecessary stress for students. By making standardized tests optional, American University is hoping to level the playing field for all applicants and to make the admissions process more equitable.
American University is not the only university that has adopted a test-optional policy. In recent years, there has been a growing trend away from standardized testing in college admissions. This is due in part to the growing body of research that shows that standardized tests are not a good predictor of college success. It is also due to the increasing cost and stress associated with standardized testing. As a result, many colleges and universities are now moving to a test-optional or test-blind admissions policy.
1. Equity
The connection between equity and American University’s test-optional policy for 2025 is significant. Standardized tests have been shown to be biased against certain groups of students, including students from low-income backgrounds and students of color. This is because these students often do not have the same access to high-quality test preparation resources as their more affluent peers. As a result, they may score lower on standardized tests, even if they are just as academically capable.
American University’s test-optional policy helps to level the playing field for all applicants by removing the standardized test requirement. This means that students from all backgrounds will be evaluated on their individual merits, without having to worry about their standardized test scores. This will make the admissions process more fair and equitable for all applicants.
The following are some real-life examples of how standardized tests can be biased against certain groups of students:
- A study by the College Board found that students from families with incomes below $40,000 per year are less likely to score above 1200 on the SAT than students from families with incomes above $100,000 per year.
- A study by the National Center for Fair & Open Testing found that Black students are more likely to score below 500 on the SAT than White students, even after controlling for socioeconomic status.
- A study by the University of California, Berkeley found that students who took an SAT prep course scored an average of 110 points higher on the SAT than students who did not take a prep course.
These examples show that standardized tests are not a fair and equitable measure of academic ability. They are biased against students from low-income backgrounds and students of color. American University’s test-optional policy is a step towards creating a more fair and equitable admissions process.
2. Access
American University’s decision to make standardized tests optional for the 2025-2026 application cycle is a significant step towards making college more accessible to all students. Standardized tests can be expensive and time-consuming to prepare for, and they can create unnecessary stress for students. By removing this requirement, American University is making it easier for students from all backgrounds to apply to and attend college.
- Cost: Standardized tests can be expensive to prepare for. The cost of an SAT or ACT prep course can range from $500 to $1,000 or more. This can be a significant financial burden for families, especially those with multiple children or those who are struggling financially.
- Time: Preparing for standardized tests can be time-consuming. Students may need to spend hours each week studying for the test, taking practice tests, and attending prep courses. This can be a challenge for students who have other commitments, such as school, work, or family obligations.
- Stress: Standardized tests can be stressful for students. The pressure to perform well on these tests can lead to anxiety, sleeplessness, and other health problems. Removing the standardized test requirement can help to reduce stress for students and make the college application process less daunting.
American University’s test-optional policy is a positive step towards making college more accessible to all students. By removing the standardized test requirement, American University is making it easier for students from all backgrounds to apply to and attend college.
3. Holistic Review
American University’s decision to adopt a test-optional policy for the 2025-2026 application cycle is a significant step towards implementing holistic review in admissions. Holistic review is an admissions process that considers all aspects of an applicant’s profile, including their academic achievements, extracurricular activities, personal statement, and letters of recommendation. By removing the standardized test requirement, American University is giving admissions officers the opportunity to get a more complete picture of each applicant.
Holistic review is important because it allows admissions officers to make more informed decisions about who to admit. Standardized test scores are just one piece of the puzzle, and they do not always accurately reflect a student’s academic ability or potential. By considering all aspects of an applicant’s profile, admissions officers can make more individualized decisions about who is most likely to succeed at American University.
There are a number of real-life examples of how holistic review can benefit students. For example, a student who has a strong academic record but low standardized test scores may be admitted to American University under a holistic review process. This is because the admissions officers would be able to see that the student has a strong work ethic and is likely to succeed in college, even if their standardized test scores are not as high as some other applicants.
Holistic review is a more fair and equitable admissions process than standardized testing. It gives all applicants a chance to be considered on their own individual merits, regardless of their socioeconomic background or access to test prep resources.
American University’s decision to adopt a test-optional policy is a positive step towards making the admissions process more holistic. By removing the standardized test requirement, American University is making it easier for admissions officers to get a more complete picture of each applicant and make more informed decisions about who to admit.
4. Research
This research has played a significant role in American University’s decision to adopt a test-optional policy for the 2025-2026 application cycle. By removing the standardized test requirement, American University is aligning its admissions process with the latest research on college success.
- High School GPA: High school GPA is a much better predictor of college success than standardized test scores. This is because GPA reflects a student’s academic performance over a period of years, while standardized test scores are just a snapshot of a student’s performance on a single day.
- Extracurricular Activities: Extracurricular activities are another important indicator of college success. Students who participate in extracurricular activities are more likely to be engaged in their learning and to develop important skills, such as leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving.
American University’s test-optional policy is a positive step towards creating a more fair and equitable admissions process. By considering all aspects of an applicant’s profile, American University is making it easier for students from all backgrounds to apply to and attend college.
5. Trend
In recent years, there has been a growing movement away from standardized testing in college admissions. This is due in part to the growing body of research that shows that standardized tests are not a good predictor of college success. It is also due to the increasing cost and stress associated with standardized testing.
- Equity: Standardized tests have been shown to be biased against certain groups of students, including students from low-income backgrounds and students of color. By moving away from standardized testing, colleges and universities are creating a more level playing field for all applicants.
- Access: Standardized tests can be expensive and time-consuming to prepare for. By removing the standardized test requirement, colleges and universities are making it easier for students from all backgrounds to apply to and attend college.
- Holistic Review: Standardized tests provide only a narrow snapshot of a student’s academic ability and potential. By moving away from standardized testing, colleges and universities are able to consider a more holistic view of each applicant, taking into account their individual strengths and experiences.
- Research: Studies have shown that standardized tests are not a good predictor of college success. Other factors, such as high school GPA and extracurricular activities, are better indicators of how well a student will do in college. By moving away from standardized testing, colleges and universities are aligning their admissions processes with the latest research on college success.
American University’s decision to adopt a test-optional policy for the 2025-2026 application cycle is part of this growing trend. By joining the ranks of other colleges and universities that have moved away from standardized testing, American University is demonstrating its commitment to equity, access, holistic review, and research-based decision-making.
FAQs on American University’s Test-Optional Policy for 2025
American University’s decision to adopt a test-optional policy for the 2025-2026 application cycle has raised a number of questions. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions:
Question 1: Why is American University going test-optional?
American University is going test-optional because research has shown that standardized tests are not a good predictor of college success. Other factors, such as high school GPA and extracurricular activities, are better indicators of how well a student will do in college. American University is also committed to equity and access, and the test-optional policy will help to level the playing field for all applicants.
Question 2: What does test-optional mean?
Test-optional means that applicants are not required to submit standardized test scores as part of their application. Applicants may choose to submit test scores if they believe it will strengthen their application, but it is not required.
Question 3: Does test-optional mean that American University is lowering its academic standards?
No. American University is not lowering its academic standards. The test-optional policy simply means that the university will be using a more holistic approach to evaluate applicants. The university will consider all aspects of an applicant’s profile, including their high school GPA, extracurricular activities, personal statement, and letters of recommendation.
Question 4: Will American University still accept standardized test scores if I submit them?
Yes. American University will still accept standardized test scores if applicants choose to submit them. However, test scores are not required and will not be a factor in the admissions decision for students who choose not to submit them.
Question 5: What are the benefits of a test-optional policy?
There are several benefits to a test-optional policy. First, it levels the playing field for all applicants, regardless of their socioeconomic background or access to test prep resources. Second, it makes college more accessible to students who may not have the resources or time to prepare for standardized tests. Third, it allows admissions officers to consider a more holistic view of each applicant, taking into account their individual strengths and experiences.
Question 6: What should I do if I’m not sure whether to submit my standardized test scores?
If you’re not sure whether to submit your standardized test scores, you should contact the American University admissions office. The admissions office can provide you with more information about the test-optional policy and help you make the best decision for your application.
American University’s test-optional policy is a significant step towards creating a more fair and equitable admissions process. By removing the standardized test requirement, American University is making it easier for students from all backgrounds to apply to and attend college.
Stay tuned for our next article, where we will discuss how to apply to American University under the test-optional policy.
Tips for Applying to American University Under the Test-Optional Policy for 2025
American University’s decision to adopt a test-optional policy for the 2025-2026 application cycle is a significant change. If you’re planning to apply to American University under the test-optional policy, here are a few tips to help you put together a strong application:
Tip 1: Consider your individual strengths and weaknesses.
If you have strong standardized test scores, you may choose to submit them to American University. However, if you do not have strong standardized test scores, you should not feel pressured to submit them. American University will consider all aspects of your application, including your high school GPA, extracurricular activities, personal statement, and letters of recommendation.
Tip 2: Focus on your high school GPA.
Your high school GPA is one of the most important factors in the American University admissions process. Make sure to take challenging courses and earn good grades. A strong GPA will show American University that you are a serious student who is prepared for the rigors of college.
Tip 3: Get involved in extracurricular activities.
Extracurricular activities are a great way to show American University that you are a well-rounded individual. Get involved in activities that you are passionate about and that demonstrate your leadership skills, teamwork skills, and commitment to community service.
Tip 4: Write a strong personal statement.
Your personal statement is your chance to tell American University about who you are and what you are passionate about. Take your time writing your personal statement and make sure it is well-written and error-free. Your personal statement should highlight your unique qualities and experiences and explain why you are interested in attending American University.
Tip 5: Get strong letters of recommendation.
Letters of recommendation are an important part of your American University application. Ask teachers, counselors, or other adults who know you well to write letters of recommendation for you. Your letters of recommendation should highlight your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and personal qualities.
Applying to college under a test-optional policy can be a daunting task, but it is important to remember that American University is committed to equity and access. By following these tips, you can put together a strong application that will showcase your individual strengths and experiences.
We hope this article was helpful. If you have any other questions about American University’s test-optional policy, please contact the admissions office.
Final Thoughts on American University’s Test-Optional Policy for 2025
American University’s decision to adopt a test-optional policy for the 2025-2026 application cycle is a significant step towards creating a more fair and equitable admissions process. By removing the standardized test requirement, American University is making it easier for students from all backgrounds to apply to and attend college.
The test-optional policy is a positive step forward for American University and for higher education in general. It is a recognition that standardized tests are not a good predictor of college success and that there are many other factors that should be considered in the admissions process. American University’s test-optional policy is a model for other colleges and universities to follow.
If you are a student who is planning to apply to college in the near future, you should be aware of the growing number of colleges and universities that are adopting test-optional policies. This is a positive trend that is making college more accessible to students from all backgrounds.
We encourage you to learn more about American University’s test-optional policy and to consider applying to American University if you are interested in a college that is committed to equity, access, and holistic review.
