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Test-Optional College Admissions: ACT and SAT Scores, Applications, and Enrollment Changes

Author

Listed:
  • Christopher Avery
  • Lena Shi
  • Preston Magouirk

Abstract

This paper uses data from the largest college application platform in the U.S. to describe application and enrollment changes in response to widespread test-optional admissions adoption between 2018-2021. Although test-optional policies aimed to expand college access, underrepresented students did not apply to Elite colleges at higher rates and Elite colleges still received large numbers of high-scoring applications after tests became optional. Despite the oversupply of high-scoring applicants in the test-optional period, Elite colleges enrolled more lower-scorers with high grades, in particular first-generation and lower-income students. Enrollment in less selective colleges also increased among high-scorers, so test-optional policies may exacerbate undermatching.

Suggested Citation

  • Christopher Avery & Lena Shi & Preston Magouirk, 2025. "Test-Optional College Admissions: ACT and SAT Scores, Applications, and Enrollment Changes," NBER Working Papers 34260, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    • Handle: RePEc:nbr:nberwo:34260
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • I21 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Analysis of Education
    • I22 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Educational Finance; Financial Aid
    • I23 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Higher Education; Research Institutions

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