A standardized test is not the only method to measure strong applicants, and several colleges and universities in the United States now recognize this.

It will not be completely wrong to state that U.S. is quite fond of academic testing. With the aid of an uncomplicated standardized exam, a complicated person can be distilled to any numbers. While these test results can sometimes conceal the truth, they can also offer some really useful understanding of the student's ability.

Citing the drawbacks of standardized exams, more and more colleges and universities are now opting for either test-flexible or test-optional admissions. Over 200 acclaimed schools at present place less emphasis on entrance exams.

Just last year, Drake University implemented a test-flexible admission policy, allowing eligible prospective students to decide whether they want to submit standardized test scores along with their application, an official news release on Drake University website reported.

This option comes in handy to three types of students including those with high grades but substandard test scores, students that show talent in a specific subject and also students with some major test jitters.

Students with low test scores but strong GPAs: Test-flexible or Test-optional admission policies do not in any way indicate that a school has neglected standards. Several schools in this category are rather competitive, however they have opted for a different way to assess a student's potential and achievement.

This does not imply that applicants can get away with not having excellent GPAs, however these schools may also consider other factors such as references and extracurricular activities, comparatively more than traditional admissions. This makes these schools a preferred choice for students who do not test well but excel academically.

Alternatively, students with low test scores who have actively volunteered, have led after-school activities, are capable of writing impressive essays or have powerful personal endorsements from their teachers, can opt against the ACT or SAT.

Those students fitting the aforementioned profile, do not need to feel they have failed. Although standardized tests help a few students, they are not suitable for everyone, US News reported.

Students with notable talent in a particular area: Several students outshine the rest of their classmates in certain areas of the academic spectrum - for instance, a talented artist who struggles with maths, or the science buff that hardly is interested in English literature. Although these type of students may not have impressive GPAs, they could have high grades in one or two specific subjects.

Students falling under the aforementioned category, do not need to settle for a less challenging school just on the basis of their average GPA.

As far as test-flexible schools are concerned, students may be allowed to submit a number of AP or SAT subject test in areas of their choosing rather than the ACT or SAT - alternatively, students may be able to select which ACT or SAT scores they send, thus facilitating the students to build the strongest possible profile.

Students with test nervousness: Students that tend to get nervous during a test can be considered a part of the first kind of student described, except for the fact that their nervousness may have actually stopped them from considering taking the ACT or SAT.

Test anxiety is real experience, however with several issues wracking up students' health and happiness, there is a rather fragile balance between dealing and healing.

Nevertheless, it is not impossible to attend a great school without outstanding test scores.

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Topics U.S., U.S. Universities, Sat, Act, Drake University, GPA, Education