Chariot Learning
  • About
    • FAQ
    • Our Curriculum
    • Areas Chariot Learning Serves
  • Services
    • SAT & ACT Prep
    • SAT/ACT TestFlip
    • Academic Coaching
    • Subject Tutoring
    • Strategic Reading Club
    • Proctored Practice Tests
    • GRE Prep
    • College Essay Coaching
    • Roots2Words
  • Calendar
  • Testimonials
  • Blog
  • Resources
  • Contact
April 14, 2023 by Mike Bergin

No, SUNY is Not Test Blind

The State University of New York Board of Trustees recently affirmed the SUNY admissions policy regarding optional submission of SAT and ACT scores, which has triggered a spate of inflammatory articles suggesting that SUNY has adopted the same testing policy as the University of California system. That is absolutely false. Test optional is definitely not the same as test blind or test free.

For the sake of clarity, here is SUNY’s testing policy with relevant parts bolded:

SUNY has temporarily [now permanently] suspended SAT/ACT testing requirements for students applying for admission to a SUNY bachelor’s degree-granting college. You may now decide whether or not to include your scores for admission consideration at each college to which you apply.

If you believe your scores are an accurate representation of your ability, SUNY colleges can consider them along with all other materials in your application file. If you think your scores do not represent your abilities, SUNY colleges can holistically evaluate your application without considering them. Please consult your school counselor or advisor if you are unsure about what to do.

In some instances, however, test scores may still be required. Admission to select programs, consideration for some merit scholarships, and NCAA eligibility for Division I student-athletes may require test scores. International students, who are non-native English speakers and whose primary language of instruction in high school was not English, are required to demonstrate English proficiency by submitting scores from SAT, ACT, TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE.

You will have an opportunity to check “Yes” or “No” when you apply for admission. Although you cannot change your preference online once your application has been submitted, you may contact the Office of Admissions at the colleges to which you have applied to request adjustments.

Admissions requirements remain in flux, and the SUNY policy will certainly continue to change both in the short and long term. Currently, the recommendation of the Board of Trustees is for campuses to suspend the undergraduate admissions requirement to submit SAT and ACT scores be continued prospectively, but each campus still has agency to establish their requirements. Furthermore, students may still submit standardized test scores if available. Don’t make the mistake of applying test optional if test scores can help your chances of admission at the school of your choice.

New York test scores

Previous articlePaean to the #2 PencilNext article Coping with the College Waitlist
Mike Bergin
Tens of thousands of students a year prep for the SAT & ACT through programs Mike Bergin created or organized. After more than 25 years of intensive experience in the education industry, he's done it all as a teacher, tutor, director, curriculum developer, blogger, podcaster, and best-selling author. Mike founded Chariot Learning in 2009 to deliver on the promise of what truly transformative individualized education can and should be.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Helping high schoolers with tests, school, and life is what Chariot Learning is all about. Let us know how we can help you!

Latest Posts

  • Top Timing Tips for Tests
  • Muhammad Ali Knows Test Prep
  • Coping with the College Waitlist
  • Paean to the #2 Pencil
  • Who Does College Admissions Serve?

What is TestFlip?

Learn about the ultimate in self-directed supplemental SAT/ACT prep, powered by Chariot Learning:

Subscribe to Mike’s Podcast

Subscribe to Tests and the Rest

PARENT GROUP AND NEWSLETTER

Are you an Upstate New York parent with questions about college admissions, testing, and scholarships? The Upstate NY College Conversations Facebook group is for you. Join today!

And also sign up for College Road, our free email newsletter delivering expert educational advice, test news, admissions action steps, special offers, and more.

Testimonials

It was great learning his secret tricks on how to score better – and the not so secret trick of practice, practice, practice! He improved our scores by 3-4 points, and we were very satisfied and happy with the final result.

Emma & Sara, Pittsford students

Read more testimonials...

PODCAST

Tests and the Rest is the ultimate college admissions industry podcast. Join Mike Bergin and Amy Seeley every Tuesday and Friday as they discuss the latest issues in testing, admissions, learning, and education with leading experts.
© 2023 Chariot Learning, LLC. All rights reserved.