In the series “Student Voices,” current students write about the reasons they chose Hampshire and how our educational model works from their perspective.
You’re applying to colleges, but there’s one thing weighing you down—your test scores. Maybe you’re a dedicated, hard-working student, but test taking is not your greatest strength. If this is true for you, it may interest you to know that some colleges are test optional. In other words, there are schools that do not require you to submit your SAT or ACT scores.
For many years, Hampshire College was one of these test optional schools, allowing applicants to choose whether or not to submit their test scores. As of this year, however, Hampshire has become completely test blind—meaning they will not look at standardized test scores at all. Since students at Hampshire don’t take tests anyway, this decision seemed an appropriate one.
At Hampshire, a student’s performance is not based on how well they can take a test, but on how well they can complete independent projects and research. Additionally, basing a student’s admission decision on test scores comes with problematic implications––since students of higher economic status and with better access to education may be at an advantage.
A test score may indicate your knowledge of specific subjects or your ability to memorize facts, but it does not fully demonstrate all of your valuable skills. If you excel at independent work but are less skilled at taking tests, then Hampshire might be the ideal learning environment for you.
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