Over the past few years, many schools have gone “test-optional” (see the full list at Fairtest). This has high school sophomores and juniors wondering if they still need to take the ACT or SAT.
The short answer is, yes.
Let’s start with some definitions.
- Test-blind: The school will NOT consider your standardized test scores even if you choose to send them.
- Test-optional: The school WILL consider them if they are part of your college application.
- Test-flexible: The school will allow you to choose the test scores you want to use – ACT, AP, IB, or SAT.
But Wait, I Thought After Covid, All Colleges Were Going Test-Optional
Not true. Some schools still require or have re-instituted their testing requirement. The Florida public universities (UF, FSU, FAU, etc.), University of Tennessee, and Georgia Tech to name a few never went test-optional. Many of the Ivies and colleges like MIT have gone back to requiring test scores. If you want to attend one of these schools, you will need to submit a test score (most likely the ACT or SAT).
Even schools who tout their “holistic review” process may use standardized test scores along with GPAs to determine who is accepted to their honors programs and who receives merit aid.
Back to the question. Should you take the ACT or SAT?
Yes.
Here’s why:
- The first reason is simple. You don’t want to limit your options by not having a test score to send to schools that require it as part of their application.
- Second, while test scores are only one data point in a college application, they can provide supporting data that you are a strong candidate for admission to a school.
What If My Score is Too Low to Send?
If your score is below the school’s midrange, most admissions counselors will tell you not to send it. That’s ok. Colleges that are test-optional are truly less concerned with your score and more concerned with reviewing your application as a whole. The momentum has shifted as admissions officers now have the expertise to read applications holistically, seeing students as a person with unique talents and abilities and not simply as a score and GPA.
What Do I Need to Do?
I recommend that you take a test at least once. This way you will have a score to send if you decide to apply to a school that requires standardize testing.
Take a practice ACT and SAT. No need to take both tests. You have better things to do. Figure out which is the better test for you so you can focus your efforts.
Don’t go in cold. Make sure you prepare so you give yourself the best chance of getting a score that reflects your true abilities.
Need personalized guidance? Reach out today, and let’s make sure you’re on the right track for your college goals!