Hi - has anyone been accepted w/o submitting test scores? And if so, what was your gpa?
I got in without sending my scores. My weighted GPA is a 4.3.
Wow - congrats! May I ask what you plan to major in? My DD wants to apply to Wesleyan next year. She is in the process of doing her ACTs and SATs. Her ACT English score is 34 but her Math score is not great - her GPA is 3.9. So, we are not sure if she should try testing again or if it does make sense to apply w/o test results. Any suggestions?
Why bother testing for a school which states it is test optional?
Wesleyan stands by their admissions commitment to review and assess using measures far beyond test scores, and without imposing penalty on those who apply without the scores.
Where there is a concern that submitting a score may be reviewed and applied to the packet as a ‘bad’ mark, why would you send the score at all?
A strong packet, strong essays and recs, a solid gpa and interview will do the job. Will your child submit a portfolio as well? If so, everything needed for a full and critical evaluation is in place. (Even without the portfolio, but I thought if you are also submitting that then you have done all that is needed.)
Yes - she will be including a portfolio of work as well. She is considering this her ED school - she just wants to make sure that enough info is provided so that she is a strong candidate.
If you and your daughter are that pleased with Wesleyan as a place for her to enroll, and that energy and excitement are present in the body of her application and supplements, do apply ED.
Have you had an opportunity to connect with an officer/student on campus and make an impression?
I believe that Wesleyan wants students (and families) who want to be there, who have taken the time to understand how they structure their ‘requireds’ (generally, they like to say, students just find their way), and how their approach works well for what your child is looking for.
As you’ve taken all of the steps that put your daughter in a solid place for review under Wesleyan’s criteria, I would say just review everything, be sure it is what she wants, and press submit.
I’m going to PM you.
Thanks - we have made a few trips to the school, she had a chance to sit in a class; she met her admissions contact. She will be scheduling an interview. We have done it all - we are just waiting on the application process to begin. I would appreciate any/ all help 
I’m planning on majoring in Government. Honestly, since they are test-optional I wouldn’t bother taking it again. A 34 is a great score and I’m sure your daughter doesn’t want to waste another Saturday (I know I didn’t). I would highly highly highly recommend doing an interview, though. My interview was probably one of the strongest parts of my application.
@“liberal arts mom”
the rule of thumb for test optional schools, is only submit scores if they are avg or above avg for that school.
But she may want to re-test anyway, as if she doesn’t get in ED, she may need test scores for other schools
Thanks so much for everyone’s feedback! She will be scheduling an interview. I think we are also scheduling the SAT test as well - just in case the score results are stronger. I think for Wes we will wait to see how the SAT score comes out and then decide if it is worth submitting test scores. I know that this is her first choice school, however it is true we need to consider the other schools she is applying to as well.
There’s still a reason to take these tests: Wesleyan requires them before you start, even if you don’t submit them in your application.
Good point. Yes - I did see that information on their website. I think the bigger concern is using the tests for admission. Once you are in I think most schools rely on the results for course level assignment.
I don’t think it’s for placement; I think it’s for study purposes.
I got in without sending scores. Unweighted GPA: for 9th grade: 3.77, for 10th grade: 3.83, for 11th grade: 4.0, for 12th grade (first quarter): 3.95
Congrats - were you accepted during this year’s ED ?
Congratulations.
Yup! ED 1 @liberal arts mom
Just curious - were you also recruited for sports or did you just apply ED as a non - athlete?
Retake. She has time and many kids take between now and mid Fall.
Have her prep for the test. She can get in without scores but as it’s one less metric, they’ll review the rest a little more strenuously for academic and other match. Pay attention to the overall picture they want to see and how this shows in her app and supp. It’s more than really wanting the school.
“but as it’s one less metric, they’ll review the rest a little more strenuously for academic and other match.”
As I’ve said, this isn’t my area of expertise, but I tend to agree with this. One, it makes sense, and two, the counselor types always told us, “if you’re weak in one area, it puts stress on the others. you have to give them something.”
when you’re a recruited athlete, it’s easier, because they’re looking for that something … something on which to hang your hat and admit you and make the coach happy.
when you’re not a recruited athlete, it’s just comparison against others, and if you’re missing the test, no matter what they say, it seems as those what you do offer should be strong.
again, I come back to rigor. so, so, so, so many of the CC community brush over this. highly selective LACs actually read your transcript, and I know for a fact that rigor is a big, big, deal to those schools.