This discussion was created from comments split from: Class of 2025 - worth applying ED with subpar grades/scores?.
Is anyone going test-optional for their Brown 2025 application? I’ve only been able to take the ACT once (I’m at boarding school in the UK) and achieved a score of 30, but all my other stats and ECs are extremely high (top of class/IB student/national athlete/musician/etc). Should I submit the one score of ACT 30 or just leave it. All the test centers here are closed until late September at earliest. Thoughts, please? Thanks!
I would retake it in September.
Agree, and if you can’t retake it, I would not submit the 30 unless you are URM and/or a recruited athlete.
Thanks. It is so frustrating as every ACT centered has been closed and ACT give no indication of when or where to take it (in the UK). I think that I’ll just not submit the score as the date in September is the same date for my IB exams (for predicted) which I need for the Oxford application if I don’t get in ED. Are many students/juniors going test optional this year?
A lot of kids will probably be going test optional in the upcoming application season. That’s one more reason to take it: a good score will help an applicant stand out.
You should not assume international students will also be permitted to apply test optional. It is going to depend on the college. In this thread we are talking about Brown, but you may want to apply to other universities in the US too, and they will have different policies. Also, colleges may go test optional, but many scholarships may not. Research carefully.
Both the ACT and College Board (SAT) have indeed had a lot of consumer complaints of late. I would just say keep trying to schedule or reschedule, as, once upon a time anyway, they did promise to meet demand. They kind of have to if they want to stay relevant in this rapidly changing world.
Thanks for the feedback. I’m an American with dual citizenship so applying an American (which is mandatory and better for my chances).
Thx!
Retake the ACT and try to improve scores. You are on the lower side of both ACT and GPA for Brown…not impossible but not probable.
Just a quick follow up to this. Good news - accepted Early Decision to Brown - test optional (did not retake the ACT and predicted grades are 44 out of 45 – so it is possible. So very happy!!! Best wishes
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Went test optional and got accepted Early Decision to Brown!! Soooooo happy!!
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I also chose test optional and was accepted ED!
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