In recent years, many colleges and universities have decided to go “test optional,” which means students can choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores as part of the application process. These test-optional or test-flexible policies became more common during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic when many testing dates were cancelled or postponed. Now, despite resumed test availability, thousands of colleges continue to be ACT/SAT optional. While this may give families the impression that test scores no longer matter, in reality, “test optional” is much more nuanced.

Here’s what families need to know before deciding whether their student should take or submit ACT or SAT scores (spoiler alert: we recommend taking the test).

First, Be Sure to Confirm Your School’s Policy

The rise in test-optional policies has driven a surge in applications and thus created an even more competitive admissions landscape. That means whether your school is test optional or not (check FairTest.org to see an ongoing list of test-optional and test-free colleges), you’re likely going up against a larger pool of applicants. In addition, many institutions have now gone back to requiring test scores as part of their admissions process. 

Universities like Harvard, CalTech, MIT, Purdue, UT-Austin, Stanford, and many others require scores. So, taking the test may not only give you a leg up on your application, but it also enables you to keep your options open later if you do decide to go a school that does require scores. 

As a reminder, be sure to check directly with each college to confirm their current policy – and do so once again in the fall before you apply in case they change their policy over the summer.

Understand that Merit Aid May Depend on Testing

Test scores offer a helpful data point to admissions officers. For students with strong academic profiles, a solid score can reinforce their application and strengthen their position for admission or scholarships. Moreover, some universities use test scores not just for admissions, but for money.

Strong SAT or ACT results may qualify students for institutional scholarships or merit awards, and even test-optional schools may use scores for financial aid considerations. If you don’t take these tests or decide not to submit them, you could be leaving thousands of potential scholarship dollars on the table.

Testing Can Strengthen Uncertain Academic Profiles (and Reinforce Strong Ones)

If your student’s GPA took a hit due to a tough semester or a challenging transition year, a solid test score can help balance their academic picture. It shows readiness and reinforces their potential to succeed in college-level work.

If your student already has a strong GPA and they get the score they hope for, it can help them further stand out among the applicant pool. We also recommend evaluating score variance for your chosen college(s) to see how your results stack up. If you are near the middle-to-top percentile rank for the institution, submitting scores can help strengthen your application. 

Context Matters: School List and Goals are Key

At the end of the day, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of submitting test scores. Whether to test (and submit scores) depends on your student’s goals, target schools, and academic strengths.

At College Inroads, we help families analyze college lists to see when and where scores may make a strategic difference. In general, we recommend taking the tests and doing well enough to submit the score because of the tangible and intangible benefits it can offer an application. Having the right testing strategy can open doors, especially when it comes to merit aid and selective programs.

If you have questions about the college admissions process, reach out to our team to schedule a free consultation. We’re here to help families make smart and personalized decisions about testing, applications, and everything in between.