WHAT IS TEST OPTIONAL?
At Hanover, you are more than just a number.
We believe that no single test should define you. Standardized tests, such as the SAT and ACT, simply give us a glimpse of your talents as a student. It is about much more than your GPA and a test score.
Now, when applying for admission, you may decide whether or not you would like to submit your standardized test score in that process.
If you would like to discuss this policy with your admission counselor, please call (800) 213-2178.
WHAT DOES HANOVER CONSIDER IN THE ADMISSION PROCESS?
For a holistic process, Hanover College considers many factors to understand your true potential. These factors include academic components as well as details about your character and what you might bring to our campus community.
Your grade point average (GPA) is a strong indicator for college performance. Hanover will continue to use weighted GPAs in the admission process.
Your curriculum, or the classes you take in high school, are also critical in representing college preparedness. Hanover will assess your high school curriculum choice in our admission process. We encourage you take advantage of the strongest curriculum available at your high school, including any Advancement Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), dual-enrollment or dual-credit classes.
Your activities are important too. Hanover encourages you to submit a resume of activities and at least two letters of recommendation that highlight your character. Our admission committee looks for involvement in a variety of clubs and organizations, service opportunities, athletics and arts. We care more about the depth of your leadership experience than the number of activities.
Your skills, engagement outside of the classroom and interests also speak to your future collegiate success. As a test-optional applicant, you will have the opportunity to share more about yourself through six short questions.
The SAT, ACT and other standard measures will continue to be an important part of Hanover College’s holistic admission process should you choose to submit your scores.
SHOULD I APPLY TEST OPTIONAL?
If you feel that your application is stronger without your standardized test scores, you should consider applying test optional. That means you will not be sharing those scores in the admission process. If you choose to apply test optional, it is highly recommended that you submit a comprehensive resume and at least two letters of recommendation.
If you feel that your standardized test scores are reflective of your academic success, we encourage you to forgo applying test optional and to submit your test scores.
As a reference, middle 50% SAT and ACT scores for the 2018 freshman class are:
- SAT 1030-1220
- ACT 23-27
HOW DO I APPLY TEST OPTIONAL?
When completing either the Hanover College application or the Common Application, you will be asked if you are applying as test optional. If you select “Yes,” we will review your application for admission and scholarship awards based on your high school transcript, essay, recommendation(s) and other supporting documents without consideration of your standardized test scores.
You will have the opportunity to answer two brief questions to allow us to get to know you better.
Hanover will continue to review SAT or ACT scores from students who believe that their scores are a good measure of their academic ability. Simply answer “No” to the test-optional question on the application, and we will wait for your test scores before making a decision.
Whether you apply test optional or not, Hanover makes admission and scholarship decisions based on a comprehensive review of all application items, with the greatest focus on the high school academic record.
WILL APPLYING TEST OPTIONAL HURT MY CHANCES OF BEING ACCEPTED?
No. You will be reviewed in the same holistic process, considering all submitted materials. Applying test optional (without test scores) will not negatively affect that process.
IF I APPLY TEST OPTIONAL, AM I ELIGIBLE FOR THE SAME SCHOLARSHIPS?
Yes! You will be considered for our merit-based scholarships, regardless of whether or not you have submitted test scores.
AS AN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT, MAY I APPLY TEST OPTIONAL?
You must submit either the TOEFL, IELTS or PTE as part of your application. This requirement may be fulfilled by submitting an SAT evidence-based reading and writing score of at least 600 or an ACT English score of at least 27.
If you spent the majority of the most recent four years of school in a setting where English is the primary language of instruction in all academic subjects (excluding foreign language and ESL/ELL courses), you are exempt from the TOEFL/IELTS/PTE requirement.
