August 9, 2021 By Ani

Test-Optional Admissions

For the admissions cycle 2020-21 more than 1,600 4-year colleges and universities announced Test-Optional policies. Colleges made decisions without standardized (SAT or ACT) test scores if the students were unable to submit their test scores. Some colleges had also announced that they will be extending their Test-Optional policies for the 2021-22 admissions cycle. For rising seniors, two-thirds of four year colleges, including highly selective institutions will remain test-optional and will not require a test score for fall 2022 admissions. See the update here: https://bit.ly/3s0jAPm .

Here are 4 tips for High School Juniors and Seniors:

1- understand each college’s testing policies regarding ACT/SAT and verify deadlines

2- engage with college admissions officers through colleges’ virtual events

3- develop a well-balanced college list

4- find out about each college’s current policies regarding AP or IB credits

Here at College Gates Advising, we can help you craft a great application to stand out.
Contact Us Today

Thank you, Ani for helping me stay on top of my applications! Thanks also for all the tips for transitioning to college. I missed working with you!”
~ Student, BU Class of 2023, Lexington, MA
During a very challenging academic year for high school seniors, Ani kept my son motivated in college search and application process. She was well-aware of all the challenges that the students were facing in building a college list. She patiently helped my son engage in virtual visits while also helping him find appropriate virtual extracurricular activities. He had five admissions to top colleges and chose to enroll at UMass Amherst.”
~ Parent, HS Class of 2021, Lexington, MA
Ani Helped my daughter with college planning that included high school academics and extracurricular activities. She was encouraging and very thorough in answering our questions. My daughter was admitted to all her top choice colleges including one with a full scholarship. We are thrilled and grateful.”
~ Parent, HS Class of 2021, Worcester, MA
We had a great experience working with Ani. She was always patiently available to answer all our questions. She guided us through the college search and application process. My daughter was able to develop a well-researched college list and was admitted to her first-choice college. We learned to look for a college that is the best fit. It makes more sense.”
~ Parent, HS Class of 2021, Lexington, MA
I consulted Ani on several occasions regarding post-graduation gap year options for my son, who had just graduated with a BS in Chemical Biology from UC Berkeley and wanted to take a year off before applying to medical school. Her advice was well-thought out, succinct and invaluable as she offered multiple options moving forward. Ani's experienced approach in empowering my son made him feel like he was in charge of the entire decision making process.”
~ Parent, Philip A.
Overall, I had a great experience and seamless interaction with Ani. I got her advice, as well as clarifications regarding the interpretation of foreign credentials for 2 international students who applied to Tufts last year. Ani’s expertise allowed me and my department to better understand the students’ previous knowledge and background in related coursework.”
~ Visiting Professor, Ara P.
I won't surprise you by saying that college selection process is not a simple one. More over, it is complicated, broad, and for the most part, the process can be quite overwhelming.
If you are looking for a college coach to guide your child with insightful and pragmatic yet caring approach, I highly recommend Ani Arakelian-Sahakian. Ani's insightful knowledge and expertise helped the process to feel somewhat simple for us, and get into the college of top choice for our child. I highly recommend Ani to parents and their college-bound children!"
~ Parent, Hasmik K.