Brandeis University Test Optional Policy

Hi I’m thinking about applying to Brandeis and I noticed their test optional policy. I currently have a 1280 SAT (yeah I know…) (680 - english 600- math) and I was wondering if I should do the third option of submitting writing or if I should just submit my test score. It is only 30 points bellow their 25% of incoming freshman which was a 1310 so it’s not tooooo far off. My GPA is a 4.0 unweighted and a 4.9 weighted so I don’t have to worry about that. Does submitting the graded writing look bad?
Also I want to go into medicine. Would it look even worse to submit a literary analysis essay since that’s not a field I’m going into???
Or should I lie about what I want my major to be on my transcript so they can’t hold it against me.
I’m sorry this is a lot of questions I just don’t know what to do!

If you want to go into medicine, be aware that medical schools are highly selective, and a standardized test (the MCAT) is a major part of the selection process. So you may want to practice your standardized test taking skills before it is time to take the MCAT, regardless of whether you use the test-optional policy at Brandeis or other colleges.

Pre-meds can major in anything, including humanities, although they need to take the pre-med courses (mostly frosh/soph level biology, chemistry, physics, math/statistics).

I get that…so should I send a 1280? Or should I send some of my written essays as a substitute? I am a pretty decent writer. Does it look bad to not send my test scores?

The conventional wisdom is to send scores that are middle 50% or higher and not to send bottom 25% scores. Your scores might not hurt you but they won’t help you, so you might as well take advantage of the fact you don’t need to submit them. Schools that offer that option are fine with kids using that option! And a good essay is a good essay, regardless of subject area. Finally, while no one will hold you to a particular major, why lie about it? Be authentic in all aspects of your application. Good luck!

I don’t know about Brandeis specifically but here is some general information that may help:

  • I have heard admission officers at other test optional schools say that if an applicant's standardized tests are not at the 50% mark or higher then they are best off not submitting them. If you are below the 25% percentile I definitely would not submit them.

–You can have any major and be pre-med.

– I don’t think Brandeis admits by majors. If that is the case, admissions understands that applicants are free to change majors while at college.

–I would only submit a literary analysis essay if it is part of the application package required for Brandeis.

Hi there! With Brandeis’s test optional score, you can do the literary essay, submit 3 AP/IB scores, or SAT subject test scores. Call the Brandeis Undergraduate Admissions office, and they’ll be happy to answer your questions about it! If you feel your SAT score is weaker and have a great essay, then submit it! Admissions does not look at any of their test optional options as ‘better’ or ‘worse’ than the others. So if you’re looking at pre-med, they don’t care if you submit the SAT, ACT, or the essay.

Don’t lie, on any college application, ever. They actually use your application to match you up with a Faculty Advisor within your field of study, as well as a Roosevelt Fellow. I’m pretty sure they don’t even consider major/subject types. Call to find out.

They also have a holistic application, meaning they look at your essays, EC’s, etc. You’re more than just a number! Keep your head up and good luck in the application process.