Posts tagged tests

I've just started looking into Bennington, and I read somewhere that your ACT/SAT scores aren't necessarily as important there as they are elsewhere. Is that true? I love learning, but my test results don't always give me the kindest reflection. Bennington looks like a fantastic place to be, and I really hope that I have a shot at going there. — Asked by Anonymous

First of all, when I googled “test stress” this image came up. SOMEONE TELL ME WHY.

Second of all, we are SAT optional, so if you feel like your scores say something about you (and many students do), you are welcome to submit them and we will consider them as part of your application. However, we also recognize that standardized test scores are not always a reflection of a student’s intelligence. Some people just AREN’T good test takers, and that is okay if you have other things to offer! We look at your essays, your interviews, your grades from high school, any supplemental material, etc. and feel that in most cases that is plenty to know if you are a thinker, a maker, and someone who could contribute to our community. We care about rigor, but we don’t think that how intelligent you are can be fully expressed by numbers on a page. Hope that helps!

-Riley

So, if one had a low SAT score would you recommend that he submit it, or no? Probably the latter, I'm assuming. — Asked by Anonymous

Why bother? We’re test-optional for a reason; if there’s any concern that your SAT/ACT scores might negatively impact your application, you have the luxury of not having to send them. So don’t!

-Evan ‘13