In an ever-evolving academic world that has only recently recognized how the one-size-fits-all nature of standardized testing doesn’t always work, it can be hard to find the test-optional policies of individual schools and decide if you should apply without a standardized test score. What’s more, with ACT, SAT, Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate and Dual Enrollment transfer credits to potentially share, many students are left feeling like they’ve been given alphabet soup to send to admissions boards. Luckily, Belmont has put together some general tips and tricks to help in coming up with a transfer credit plan.
How Many Colleges Are Test Optional?
More than 80% of colleges in the U.S. are test-optional, including many top universities for academics, athletics and the arts.
No matter your major or area of interest, there will be a school for you that is test-optional if you would rather not submit your ACT or SAT score. Testing policies for individual universities can typically be found on their application requirements page. If you can’t find it, you can also contact the school’s admissions office.
Knowing When to Submit Test-Optional
Typically, you’ll want to submit your ACT and/or SAT scores if yours is higher than the school’s average. The national average ACT score sits at around 20, while the average SAT score is about 1050, so you can use this as a benchmark and adjust based on how selective the universities you’re applying to are.
If you’re right at average or a bit below, then consider other factors of your application like your transcript, extracurriculars and application essay. If you feel like these boost your competitiveness and that you’ll still stand out among applicants, go ahead and share it! If you feel like those other aspects will get less attention because of a lower score, then feel free to use that test-optional status to your advantage.
What is a College Transfer Credit?
A college transfer credit is any college credit you earn that isn’t from the school you end up graduating from but is accepted by that school. People typically use transfer credits for general education classes to make college more affordable or to get to their major-specific classes faster if their university requires all gen eds to be completed first.
Students can get college transfer credits in high school through programs like AP and IB, as well as through dual enrollment or dual credit classes through their local colleges or universities. While transfer credits are not for everyone, they are often a cheaper and more accessible option for people to get through college a little bit faster.
Understanding AP and IB Credit Policies
AP and IB are two great ways to earn college credit in high school. Here’s how to know if you’ve earned that credit and how to make sure it gets onto your college transcript.
AP Credit Policies
You may have also taken AP classes in high school, and you may even be in one now. To make sure each school you’re looking at gets your scores, you can check out College Board’s website to send one free list of your scores to universities. AP classes are offered across a variety of subjects, and students can take a test at the end of the school year to see if they have earned college transfer credits.
As for what scores schools will take, it varies by university. Exams are scored from 1-5. Many schools consider a 3 or higher passing, but there is also a trend of universities only taking 4s and 5s for core subject exams like Biology and U.S. History. You should be able to find individual schools’ AP policies on their course catalogs.
IB Credit Policies
While offered at fewer schools across the US, the International Baccalaureate (IB) program is another great way for students to earn college transfer credits through exams. Most universities take the scores of each individual exam, rather than the cumulative score that earns students an IB diploma.
As IB exams have a wider range of scores (1-7), there is more variance in the lowest score schools will take. The typical passing score a 4 or higher; however, like with AP, more schools are starting to begin their passing scores at 5 or 6, depending on the subject. Schools’ IB policies can also be found on their websites or course catalogs.
Dual Enrollment Transfer Credits
Dual enrollment transfer credits are the final piece of the puzzle when figuring out how many credits you can start college with. Many community colleges and local universities partner with high schools to let students take college-level courses while still in high school. Though typically viewed as easier than AP or IB, these classes affect your college GPA no matter what because they have to go on your college transcript.
Most schools have a standardized way of transferring these credits, but make sure you refer to that course catalog in case your college or program requires something different.
The Big Picture of College Transfer Credit
College transfer credits can be confusing, but there are a few key points to remember. To decide whether you’re going to apply test-optional, compare your ACT or SAT score to the university’s average and determine whether you think other aspects of your application are elevated or hindered by your score.
For AP and IB credits, check out the university’s course catalog to see what scores they accept and what classes they cover. As for dual enrollment credit, make sure you know which courses you want those credits to cover and that you feel confident in your ability to get a good grade in the class.
If you have any questions about Belmont’s transfer credit policy, visit our course catalog or reach out to your admissions counselor.
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