Author: JD Allen

This application cycle, way more students reported test scores, up 10% compared with last year. That’s despite many colleges having “test-optional” admissions policies. MARY LOUISE KELLY, HOST: During the pandemic, many colleges adopted test-optional admissions policies, meaning applicants did not have to submit SAT or ACT scores to get in. New research, though, shows many applicants are choosing to submit those scores anyway. J.D. Allen reports.J D ALLEN, BYLINE: For 17-year-old Gracie Stewart (ph), the decision to take the ACT wasn’t about meeting a college entrance requirement. It was about standing out. Stewart scored a 34 on the exam. The…