The Meaning of "Optional" on College Applications
Learn about what "Optional" means on College Applications
This email is written to you by Jasmine Ngo
Tigerway Team Members and Families,
There are ONLY 3 MONTHS left until the arrival of the new SAT in 2023, and time is rapidly ticking away
The digital SAT introduces a transformative experience that adapts to your strengths, provides instant feedback, and opens doors to new opportunities. Stay ahead of the curve and prepare to conquer the future of standardized testing with confidence.
Aside from the traditional SAT coming to an end, we are also in the middle of college application season. In this email, I want to inform you about the word “optional” on college applications and what it means.
"Optional" is a term that often confuses students. Does it mean you can skip that section altogether? Well, the answer is not a straightforward "yes" or "no." It depends on various factors within your application.
Optional Essays: Always Write Them
When it comes to optional essays, our advice is clear: always write them.
These essays provide you with a valuable opportunity to showcase aspects of your personality, experiences, or interests that might not be apparent elsewhere in your application. They offer a chance to stand out and provide additional context to your admissions committee.
Optional Letters of Recommendation: Know Your Audience
The significance of optional letters of recommendation can vary depending on the institution. Large public universities often have such a high volume of applications that they may not prioritize reading optional letters. Smaller, more selective colleges, on the other hand, may value these letters as additional insight into your character and abilities. It's essential to research each school's policies and preferences regarding recommendation letters.
Optional Resume: Highlight Your Experience
A well-crafted resume can provide a comprehensive overview of your achievements and experiences. Some schools place a high value on resumes. Even if a resume is optional, having one ready can give you an edge, particularly if your experiences are extensive and relevant to your chosen field of study.
Test Optional? A Complex Decision
The test-optional trend has gained momentum in recent years, but it's still a nuanced aspect of college applications. If a college has a test-optional policy, it means you can choose whether or not to submit standardized test scores. However, it's important to consider the individual policies of each institution. Some highly selective colleges, including MIT and other top schools, may still value standardized test scores. Research each college's specific requirements and weigh your strengths accordingly.
You must prepare your college application carefully. Take the time to research each school's specific requirements, and identify your strengths and weaknesses in relation to those requirements.
At Tigerway, we help our students achieve success on both the current and new Digital SAT. We strive to keep our students up-to-date with our wide collection of resources from our digital library. In addition, we assist students in developing effective strategies for tackling SAT problems and provide individualized support to help each student reach their goals.
Our Online Private Coaching program supports SAT/ACT, High School Courses (Regular/Ap), and College Admissions Strategy. If you are interested in our program, please contact me, Program Officer Jasmine Ngo, or Coach Larry Cheung. Please give us a call today for a roadmap session on how academic coaching, SAT/ACTs, and college consulting can help you. We currently have a waitlist for private coaching and it will be first come first serve.
Feel free to read the other emails that we’ve sent out from our Substack Email List - all public:
How to think about planning ahead for College Admissions as an underclassmen
What hard work can do for you in terms of personal growth and SAT Scores rising
Tigerway is a proud Founding Member of the National Test Prep Association (NTPA) where the NTPA consistently communicates with the College Board’s SAT Exam Team and ACT Exam to understand the future of academics and standardized testing.
Connect with us Today - get your Grades, SAT/ACT Scores, and increase the likelihood of admission offers into the most selective U.S. Universities:
Text us directly on our website: https://www.tigerwayprep.com/
Or book a call with our program officer Jasmine Ngo to get priority status on the private coaching waitlist where our private coaches help students academically and with individualized college strategy.