top of page
Search

The New Reality of Test-Optional: Who Requires Scores Again—and Why


Test-optional reshaped college admissions during the pandemic—but the pendulum is swinging back. A growing list of highly selective universities now require SAT or ACT scores again, while many others remain test-optional (or test-free) for the foreseeable future. So…should you test, should you submit, and how do you build a smart strategy in this mixed landscape? Here’s the clear, practical guide.


What “test-optional” really means (and doesn’t)


  • Test-optional: You choose whether to submit scores. If you don’t, your application is still considered complete and reviewed holistically.

  • Test-required: Scores must be submitted to be considered.

  • Test-free (test-blind): Scores, even if submitted, won’t be considered.

  • Major exceptions: Some programs (engineering, business, direct-entry nursing), special populations (homeschooled, international, recruited athletes), or scholarships may require or strongly prefer scores—even at “test-optional” schools.


Why some colleges reinstated testing


Colleges bringing back SAT/ACT point to a few consistent reasons:


  • A common yardstick across wildly different high school curricula and grading standards

  • Additional predictive value for first-year performance and placement

  • Perceived fairness in a competitive pool when transcripts, course rigor, and school profiles vary


At the same time, thousands of institutions remain test-optional because holistic review, context about a student’s school, and multi-year internal data show they can admit and support students well without requiring a score.


Should you take the SAT/ACT in a test-optional era?


Short answer: yes. Sitting for one exam (and a retake if needed) keeps every door open. If your score helps, you submit it; if not—and the college is truly test-optional—you can withhold.


Digital SAT or ACT?


  • The digital SAT is shorter, adaptive, and heavy on algebra, linear functions, and evidence-based reading and writing.

  • The ACT remains linear (not adaptive) with a faster pace and a separate Science section focused on data interpretation.


Pick the test that better matches your strengths, then commit to a single exam path for efficiency.


A simple “submit or withhold” framework


Use each college’s published middle-50% range (25th–75th percentile) for admitted students:


  • At/above the median (≈50th percentile) → strong submit signal

  • Between 25th and median → context matters (rigor, grades, hooks, major)

  • Below 25th → usually withhold at test-optional schools (unless required or your counselor advises otherwise)


Pro tip: If a college superscores, focus prep on the weaker section before your retake.


Who benefits most from submitting scores?


  • Applicants from high schools with grade inflation or limited advanced coursework

  • STEM/quant-heavy majors, where math subscores can boost confidence

  • Merit-aid seekers at schools that still use score thresholds for scholarships

  • International and homeschooled students, where a score can complement transcripts and context

  • Recruited athletes (coach/school minimums often apply)


When “optional” isn’t exactly optional


Even at test-optional schools, these situations may nudge you toward testing and submitting:


  • Major-specific policies (engineering, business, nursing, CS)

  • Combined or accelerated programs (e.g., BS/MD)

  • Special scholarships or honors colleges

  • State or system requirements that override campus-level policies


Always verify on each college’s admissions page for your application term.


Build your 90-day test plan


Weeks 1–2

  • Take a full diagnostic (digital SAT or ACT)

  • Choose your exam path and target test date

  • Set a realistic target score based on college lists


Weeks 3–8

  • 6–8 hours/week: two content blocks, two timed mini-sets, one deep error review

  • Full-length practice test every 2–3 weeks

  • Track misses by skill (e.g., sentence boundaries, linear functions, main-idea questions)


Weeks 9–12

  • Retake full-length exams under realistic timing

  • Tighten pacing, guessing strategy, and section-specific routines

  • Decide: submit or withhold per college based on updated practice outcomes


Mindset matters: Box breathing before sections, quick warm-ups (3–5 easy items), and a reset phrase (“new question, new chance”) reduce test-day jitters.


Application strategy in a mixed policy world


  • Build a “policy-balanced” college list: a few test-required, several truly test-optional, and any test-free options that fit your goals.

  • Keep documents current: Testing policies can shift—note each school’s stance in a simple tracker with deadlines, scholarship rules, and whether superscoring is used.

  • Strengthen the rest: In a test-optional file, the spotlight brightens on transcripts, course rigor, recommendations, activities, and essays. Make them sing.


Special notes for key groups


  • International students: English proficiency tests (TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo) are often required regardless of SAT/ACT policy.

  • Homeschooled applicants: Many test-optional colleges welcome strong course rigor, syllabi, outside transcripts, dual enrollment—and a solid SAT/ACT can help.

  • Athletes/arts applicants: Coaches and music/theatre programs may set their own score expectations; portfolio and pre-screens still rule in the arts.

  • Financial aid & merit: Some campuses keep score thresholds for certain merit awards, even if admission is test-optional. Check the scholarship pages.


Bottom line


Test-optional isn’t one-size-fits-all anymore. Plan to test, then submit strategically: send scores where they strengthen your profile and withhold where they don’t—unless a policy, program, or scholarship says otherwise. Stay nimble, verify each college’s current rules, and lead with a compelling academic and personal story across the rest of your application.




Visit our website:

Give us a call or send us an email anytime!

 
 
 

Comments

bottom of page