Reasons to Still Take the SAT or ACT

While many colleges or universities have done away with the SAT or ACT tests as an integral part of the admissions process or have made it optional, there are still several reasons to take this test. As a college counselor, many students still ask me, “Should I take the SAT or ACT?” Students are rightfully posing this question. For junior and senior high schoolers, time is a concern as they have rigorous classes where they strive to maintain high grades and numerous extracurricular activities. They want to use their limited time to their best possible advantage. In fact, approximately 80% of four-year colleges did not request these tests of fall 2023 applicants. In pondering this question, it is essential to understand the difference between two terms:

Test-Blind: Regardless of whether a student submits standardized test scores, they will not be considered in an admission decision

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Test-Optional: A student decides whether they wish to submit test scores as part of their college application. Most of these schools that fall into this category will consider standardized scores when making an admissions decision, and they can potentially increase a student’s chance of being admitted to a university or college. 

Here are the reasons to still prepare for and take the SAT or ACT:

1. The student must find out if all the schools they intend to apply to are test-blind. It is also possible that a school can change its admission criteria from test-blind to test-optional. This factor is important to consider if a student is a junior deciding whether they should take the test. It is better to be safe than sorry later when a student does not have test scores to submit.
2. Some highly selective schools have switched their policy from being test-optional to making it a requirement of the admissions application. More schools may follow in making this change. 
3. A student has nothing to lose by taking the SAT or ACT. For test-optional schools, students can decide whether they wish to submit scores or not. Therefore, if their score can help their admission profile, they can submit it, hopefully increasing their chance of admission. Presenting a good SAT score can be proof of significant academic potential. These tests illustrate knowledge and test-taking ability, both of which are important in college. 
4. A high SAT or ACT score can help you qualify for merit aid or more financial aid.
5. A high SAT or ACT score and an equally convincing high GPA can make a student look more appealing than another applicant with no test scores to validate their high GPA.
6. SAT or ACT scores may still be required for specific programs or scholarship applications, although not needed or optional in the general admissions application. 

It’s important to remember that unless a school is test-blind, the SAT or ACT is still a valuable component and is still relevant in admissions.Transcripts are still the most critical part of the process, but the SAT or ACT score can turn a “maybe” or “waitlist” decision into a “yes” or acceptance. 

So, how should a student decide whether or not their score is good enough to submit? Often, a school’s website contains data indicating the average test scores of admitted students. As a general rule of thumb, in college counseling, I advise students to submit their standardized test scores if their score falls in the upper range or better. If a student’s score falls in the lower half, it can negatively impact a student’s chance of admission. 

If you have additional questions or concerns, Pam Ohriner, a top college counselor of Helping Hand College Guidance offers college counseling services for freshman, transfers, and international students that covers SAT/ACT tests, college essays and personal statements, admission strategies, and overall college application help. For further information on services, you can email or call us at 310-733-8433.