Is the SAT or ACT Still Worth Taking? A Practical Guide for Today’s College Planning Landscape
A few years ago, the question wasn’t whether a student would take the SAT or ACT; it was how many times. Today, with most colleges offering test-optional admissions, students are understandably confused. Is testing still necessary? Helpful? A waste of time?
The honest answer: it depends. Test scores are no longer required by all colleges. During the pandemic, many colleges went test-optional. But used strategically, test scores can strengthen an application. The University of California and California State University systems went permanently test-blind a few years ago, meaning SAT and ACT scores are not reviewed at all.
But each year since 2022, more colleges that had temporarily gone test-optional have reinstated testing requirements. For some colleges, strong test takers can have an advantage over those choosing to apply without test scores. Where tests are required, these must be submitted.
The key isn’t skipping the ACT or ACT, or testing blindly; it’s about being strategic.
What “Test-Optional” Really Means
Test-optional policies allow students to apply with or without SAT or ACT scores. Colleges promise not to penalize students who choose not to submit scores, and in most cases, they don’t.
But test-optional does not mean test-blind.
If you submit scores, admissions officers will consider them. If you don’t, they will evaluate your application using other factors: transcript strength, course rigor, your grades over time, recommendations, essays, and context.
The key question isn’t “Do colleges still care about test scores?” It’s “Would test scores add something meaningful to this particular application?”
When SAT or ACT Scores Can Help
There are several scenarios where testing can still work in a student’s favor:
1. Strong Scores That Outperform the Transcript
If a student’s test scores are notably stronger than their GPA, or help explain an uneven academic record, submitting test scores can provide helpful context.
2. Competitive or Selective Colleges
Highly selective institutions often say they are test-optional, but many admitted students still submit strong scores. In these environments, and with grade inflation prevalent across the U.S., strong SAT or ACT scores can help confirm academic readiness.
3. Merit Scholarships and Other Options
Many colleges use test scores for:
Merit-based scholarships
Honors College admission
Direct-admit or competitive majors
4. Non-Resident Applicants
For colleges that receive applications from non-resident applicants, including international ones, test scores can help admissions officers compare students from different high schools and grading systems.
When Applying Test Optional Makes Sense
Just as important: knowing when repeated testing isn’t worth the cost, time, or stress.
1. Scores Don’t Reflect Classroom Performance
If a student has a strong GPA in rigorous courses but consistently underperforms on standardized tests, scores may not add value.
2. Testing Anxiety or Learning Differences
Colleges understand that standardized tests are imperfect assessments. For students whose abilities aren’t well captured by timed exams, applying without scores is often the wiser choice.
3. Time Is Better Spent Elsewhere
Test prep can easily become time-consuming. For some students, that time is better spent in:
Coursework-getting the best grades possible, with rigor appropriate for the student
Meaningful activities
Leadership roles
Rest and balance
When Test Scores are Required
Some colleges never offered test-optional admissions during the pandemic. Others did, but have reverted to requiring test scores.
When SAT or ACT scores are required, they must be submitted for admissions consideration. There is no getting around that.
If a student’s test scores are below the mid-50% for the data available for the most recently admitted freshman class, the student should make sure that they are focusing on other aspects of their application:
Earning the best grades possible.
Strengthening involvement in meaningful activities, including leadership.
Writing authentic essays that reveal the character of who they are beyond what is seen in other parts of the application.
Letters of recommendation-choosing teachers and other adults who know the student well is important.
How Many Times Should a Student Test?
I usually recommend that students try the SAT or ACT rather than forego testing entirely. Practice tests and the PSAT can help decide which test type to pursue (not both!). For students who do choose to test, more is not always better.
One or two test attempts are usually enough to determine whether scores are helpful. If so, a third test attempt can benefit the student. Many colleges superscore the SAT or the ACT take the best subscores from two or more test dates to create a new total score.
If scores plateau, it’s often a sign to stop.
Testing should inform strategy, not become the strategy.
The Bigger Picture: Tests Are One Data Point
Even before test-optional policies, standardized exams were never the most important part of an application. Grades earned over time, in challenging courses, remain the strongest predictor of college success.
Today, admissions decisions are made based on several factors:
Academic trajectory
Intellectual engagement
Initiative and follow-through
Fit with the institution
Test scores can support that story, but they don’t replace it.
A Thoughtful Approach to Testing Strategy
Instead of asking, “Will not taking the SAT hurt my chances?”, a better question is:
“Do these scores help enhance my academic story?”
If the answer is yes, submit them confidently.
If the answer is no, leave test scores out, and focus on what already demonstrates readiness and growth.
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