There are colleges across the country that are changing their admissions policies because of the global pandemic. Luckily, most students out of high school, don’t have to pass standardized tests like the SAT and ACT to get into college. There was a vital pivot in the way students were learning through the pandemic and these ivy league colleges are sympathetic to that fact. 

Continue reading to learn the college admissions policy changes you might see and what they mean. As well as learning about the colleges that are on the list for extending their test-optional policy to get into their school. From the information that we’ve gathered, it sounds like test-optional is here to stay! That truly benefits students in many ways. 

What does test-optional mean?

When a college or university has a test-optional admissions policy it means that they allow all or some applicants to choose whether to submit their ACT or SAT scores. Colleges still are interested in seeing a student’s scores if applicable; however, it will not interfere with their acceptance to that particular college. 

If you are a student and you’ve taken the SAT or ACT, then you should consider including your scores because it will strengthen your college application.  

Test-optional colleges in 2022-2023

  • Amherst
  • Adelphi University 
  • Babson University
  • Barnard College
  • Baylor University 
  • Boston University
  • Bucknell University
  • Brown University
  • Case Western Reserve University
  • Colgate University 
  • Columbia University 
  • College of Charleston 
  • College of William & Mary 
  • Cornell University *through high school class of 2024*
  • Dartmouth College
  • Davidson College 
  • Drexel University
  • Elon University 
  • Hamilton College
  • Harvard University *through high school class of 2026*
  • Haverford College
  • Harvey Mudd
  • Indiana University – Bloomington
  • Johns Hopkins University *through high school class of 2026*
  • Oberlin College and Conservatory 
  • Oglethorpe University 
  • Lehigh University
  • Loyola Marymount University
  • Northwestern University
  • Northeastern University *through high school class of 2026*
  • Middlebury College
  • Occidental College
  • Pepperdine University
  • Penn State University
  • Princeton University
  • Pomona College
  • Rhodes College 
  • Rhode Island School of Design
  • Northwestern University
  • Santa Clara University
  • St. Louis University 
  • Stanford University
  • Swarthmore College
  • The University of Notre Dame
  • Trinity University 
  • Tufts University (3-year pilot)
  • University of Alabama *through high school class of 2024*
  • University of Connecticut 
  • University of Maryland
  • University of Miami
  • University of Southern California
  • University of Pennsylvania
  • Vassar College
  • University of Vermont 
  • University of Virginia 
  • University of Wisconsin-Madison 
  • Washington University in St. Louis
  • Williams College 
  • Yale University

Test-optional FAQs

Which colleges don’t require the SAT or ACT?

The list of test-optional colleges is changing all the time, especially considering temporary policy changes in response to COVID-19. Always check directly with the college to confirm its policy, either by going to its website or calling its admissions office.

Should I still take the SAT?

The easy answer is yes. Most college admissions officers, including those at test-optional colleges, value the SAT as part of the admissions process. Even if you think standardized tests aren’t your biggest strength, there are some good reasons to take them.

You’ll keep your options open. Most colleges still accept test scores and must encourage them.  Remember: Your college list isn’t set in stone: you can change it at any time.

You’ll stand out among the applicants. If you get the score you hope for, and especially if it’s above average for the college, submitting your SAT score can help you in the admissions process. Even if your top choice is one of the rare test-flexible colleges, you should still take the SAT. You may find you’ll do better on it than you have on the AP Exams or other alternatives that the college considers. And keep in mind that colleges consider test scores in context. Even if your scores aren’t above average for the college, if they’re high for your school or neighborhood, they’ll help you make a great impression.

You could get more than just admission. At some colleges, the only criteria to be eligible for certain scholarships are a minimum SAT/ACT score and GPA. If you don’t take either of these tests, you take yourself out of the running for hundreds of thousands of dollars that could make college more affordable. 

A high SAT score can offset a low GPA. If you don’t take the SAT, colleges will have less information about your academic performance. If you have a low GPA but do well on the SAT, you’re letting colleges know you have the potential to succeed in college-level classes.

What if I’m not confident about taking the SAT?

We understand that not everyone feels great about taking tests, but there isn’t any downside to taking the SAT. If you don’t do as well as you want, the decision if and where to send your scores is completely up to you.

Remember, everyone’s situation is different, but we encourage you not to limit your choices. Give yourself every opportunity to succeed. Try taking the SAT. Join study groups or one of the many online practice tests that you can. It never hurts to try. 

Key takeaways on test-optional policies​

This pandemic has helped colleges turn over a new leaf in the application process where SAT and ACT scores are not required. However, they can still be very beneficial to your entrance into your dream college. Still remain to study hard and submit test scores if applicable. Read over updated lists on what colleges are and aren’t requiring the SAT or ACT test scores. 

For many of us, the majority of our days are spent at work. It can be difficult to know how to keep motivated at work, even if we like our jobs, coworkers, and work environment. Going to work, even on a good day, can feel like a chore if we lose our sense of work motivation. There are so many distractions in our daily lives — such as texting, social media, and online shopping. Many of us are addicted to our phones and it can feel impossible for us to know how to stay focused on work. In this article we will discuss how to stay focused and productive at work, despite distractions and a lack of work motivation. Read on for 7 work motivation tips. Learn how to stay motivated at work even when you’re not feeling it by reading these work motivation examples.

7 tips to increase motivation at work

Are you feeling burnt out? Overworked and underappreciated? Perhaps you are easily distractible and can’t focus on your work. Do you ask yourself: Why do I have no motivation to work? There are countless reasons to feel unmotivated at work. Thankfully, there are just as many ways to help increase your work motivation simply by adjusting your daily routines!

01

Take a scheduled work break

Although perhaps counterintuitive, taking a scheduled break can do wonders for your workplace productivity. Take short breaks periodically in order to give yourself a moment to recharge. Believe it or not, burn out can often be avoided by taking brief, purposeful breaks. Staring at a screen too long can easily zap your work motivation. So can over-extending yourself physically, mentally, or emotionally. Whether your job involves customer service, critical thinking, or manual labor, brief scheduled breaks can be key to maintaining morale and motivation. So give yourself permission to take a moment for yourself. Take a walk to stretch your legs and get some fresh air. Drink some coffee. Chat with your coworkers for a minute. Whatever helps you relieve some tension so you can refocus when you return to work.

02

Turn off your cell phone

Cell phones can be incredibly distracting, both in and outside of the workplace. It can be so tempting to send a quick text, chuckle to yourself over a meme, scroll through social media, and maybe even click on some of those pesky, though spot-on, targeted ads. It’s difficult to stay focused when our phones and social media are specifically designed to distract us. So, although it’s not the advice you want to hear, put away your phone while you’re at work! Our work motivation can evaporate under such a constant source of distraction. If you are struggling to remain focused and on task, put your phone on silent and keep it in your bag or desk. Challenge yourself to only check it during breaks. This is key to learning how to stay motivated to work.

03

Keep your workspace clean and organized

Our physical surroundings can have a huge influence on our mental sense of well-being. If your workspace is messy and disorganized, you may have a hard time focusing. By keeping things orderly, you will increase your overall efficiency and be able to avoid frustration. It may even be worth designing your workspace so it feels calming and inspiring. By adding a few personal touches, such as a picture frame, a plant, or a favorite coffee mug, you may feel more comfortable and at ease. If you are someone who likes work motivational quotes, you might consider hanging some work motivational posters.

how to stay motivated at work
04

Set manageable goals for your work day

Large tasks can feel overwhelming. Set manageable goals for yourself each work day. A good way to do this is to break large tasks into several smaller tasks. This will help you stay organized and will increase your overall sense of morale. Crossing off items on a to-do list can feel incredibly satisfying. Give yourself the opportunity to accomplish small tasks and have this small, but powerful moment of satisfaction. If you consistently set manageable goals for yourself each workday and can consistently meet them, you will feel more satisfied and productive. 

05

Prioritize and practice time management

No one can do everything at once. This is why it is important to prioritize. Ask yourself each day, what do I need to do today? What would be good to work on if I have extra time? If you are in a leadership position, it is important to learn how to delegate effectively. Do your best to meet deadlines, and if you don’t have any deadlines, make some for yourself. It can be difficult to practice effective time management strategies if you don’t have deadlines, so give yourself some, even if they feel arbitrary. This will help motivate you to stay organized and on task. Make to-do lists and calendars. Get yourself a day planner if it feels helpful.

06

Use a reward system at work

Positive reinforcement and a reward system can do wonders for workplace morale and motivation. There are lots of ways you can incorporate a reward system at work. Maybe you can organize a weekly potluck lunch where everyone brings a favorite dish to share. Or institute pizza Fridays. Maybe you can get out of work early on Friday if everyone finishes their tasks. There are countless ways to boost morale in the workplace. This tip is especially important if you are trying to figure out how to stay positive at work when someone is negative. Brainstorm with your coworkers about what this might look like for you and your workplace: A staff outing? Deserts? Giftcards? Bragging rights? Casual dress Friday? The possibilities are endless!

07

Find a role model at work

It’s important to have people to look up to in our lives. It gives us a sense of purpose and direction. Role models and mentors can give us valued advice and help us brainstorm and actively reflect on our choices and behaviors. They can inspire us to change and grow. Finding a workplace role model or mentor can help us find meaning in the workplace and form goals for our professional development. If you are having a difficult time finding a work mentor, reach out to learn more about our career counseling services.

Key takeaways

It’s okay if you are having a hard time staying motivated and focused at work. Our modern world is full of distractions that, quite frankly, are meant to distract you. Feeling unmotivated doesn’t necessarily mean you don’t like your job, your boss, or your coworkers, it simply means you need to switch up your 

how to stay motivated to work

routine a bit. The 7 tips discussed above will help you readjust your workday routines, so you can feel more focused during the day and ultimately, more motivated at work. There are lots of work motivation articles out there to help you get back on track! If, however, you don’t like your job, it might be time to start thinking about finding a new career and preparing a cover letter when transitioning to a new career. While the 7 tips discussed can do wonders to your daily work routines, sometimes a new career can be key to increase your workplace satisfaction and motivation. Take time to reflect on this article and try out some of the tips to help you figure out your next step.