Really insightful analysis on the test-optional pendulum swing. The timing window strategy from Duke, Northwestern, and NYU signals they're likely watching how Harvard and Yale's reinstatement plays out before committing longterm. The gap between philosophy majors ranking highest on logical reasoning while having unclear salary data is interesting because it highlights how we measure educational ROI. I've been tracking test policy shifts since 2020 and the thing most families miss is that test-optional often means test-preferred when you look at actual admit rates. The broader pattern seems to be elite schools reverting while mid-tier schools stay optional to keep application numbers high.
I agree with your conclusions on what test-optional often means--the term "submitter advantage" is widely understood in admissions circles at this point. I also agree that many schools will maintain test-optional policies, particularly when most ranking systems reward the lowest acceptance rates possible.
Really insightful analysis on the test-optional pendulum swing. The timing window strategy from Duke, Northwestern, and NYU signals they're likely watching how Harvard and Yale's reinstatement plays out before committing longterm. The gap between philosophy majors ranking highest on logical reasoning while having unclear salary data is interesting because it highlights how we measure educational ROI. I've been tracking test policy shifts since 2020 and the thing most families miss is that test-optional often means test-preferred when you look at actual admit rates. The broader pattern seems to be elite schools reverting while mid-tier schools stay optional to keep application numbers high.
I agree with your conclusions on what test-optional often means--the term "submitter advantage" is widely understood in admissions circles at this point. I also agree that many schools will maintain test-optional policies, particularly when most ranking systems reward the lowest acceptance rates possible.