Hello, I’m a current junior and part of the class of 2025. What is the likelihood that top-20/Ivies make all testing requirements optional? I know Harvard and Cornell have already gone test-optional, but some other schools have not yet. Also, if I were to apply to a top-20 school, should I submit my ACT test score(35E, 36R, 34M, 33S)? I’m probably applying for computer science so I’m a little worried my STEM score(34) is a little low. I only had 1 chance to take the ACT(December) before the pandemic hit so I haven’t had a chance to retake. Another factor I’m concerned about is that I’m Asian-American and am worried that top-20 schools will have higher standards for Asian-Americans going into STEM. Any advice would be appreciated!
I don’t think Harvard is test optional for next year. I don’t know if other top schools will go TO or not, but you have to plan on them not being TO.
I don’t see any reason to retake your ACT of 35, and of course you would submit that when applying to a TO school. I would also not consider a 34 stem score ‘a little low’.
Your thread title is about subject tests, but you didn’t mention those in your post. Have you taken any yet? Are you applying to schools where they are recommended?
Lastly, all T20s will be reaches, as they are for just about everyone, so make sure you have a handful of match schools, as well as at least one affordable safety on your list.
I have not taken any subject tests yet; I was planning on taking Math II and Physics in June before they got canceled.
I do understand that all T20s are extremely hard to get into which is why I was originally worried that my 34 STEM might drop me in their view because of how selective their process is. I was originally planning on retaking my ACT as well as the subject tests above but now I think I will focus my attention on just the two subject tests!