Standardised tests: some FAQs

In a previous article, I laid out my spectrum of test requirements. The spectrum is organised in terms of the extent to which the standardised test is required by US universities. On one end of the spectrum lies “test required” (“Just do it”), and on the other “test-blind/test-free” (“Let’s pretend it doesn’t exist”). 

But you may have some additional questions, so here are some FAQs, with my responses.  

Is there a table of standardised-test requirements?

FairTest keeps a great ongoing list, but it’s for US high-school graduates. 

You can already see from the policies of the small pool of schools mentioned on my spectrum of test requirements that geographical location and admission category can have an impact. If you’re working with international students, don’t just rely on the FairTest table, but always double check. 

Should a student take a test or not?

Given the variety in the landscape, a good test score would remove a lot of the headache of having to look into the policies one by one. If a student is US-bound and aiming for competitive universities, the answer seems to be: yes.

Where can one find average percentiles? 

CollegeBoard BigFuture provides the middle 50 percentile scores.

Should a student include a test score, if it is a test-optional university?

What is the percentile of the SAT versus the percentile of their school performance? Compare that and see if the SAT’s percentile is indeed higher than the percentile of their cumulative school performance. Take a look at this article on statistics for college counsellors for a more detailed explanation.

Are SAT scores relevant for universities outside the US?

The SAT, coupled with existing qualifications, can actually be useful for non-US universities admissions as well. 

For example, the University of Macau stipulates that if you achieve a SAT of 1,190 and two AP subjects, each with a 3, you qualify to apply for direct admission. 

University of Sydney spells out minimum entry requirements based on the SAT, alongside evidence of graduation from a secondary-education qualification. 

Where can I read more about the differences between the categories?

As well as my previous piece, there are articles by other authorities in the field: CollegeVine, College Essay Guy, CollegeData. 

There are also many articles on whether or not reinstatement of standardised testing is equitable – collecting these is beyond the scope of this article, but here is an interesting post to start with, published on the Harvard Graduate School of Education blog: Is the SAT still needed?