BLUF (Bottom Line Up Front) – Don’t fall for the trap, test scores still matter for college admissions. Even though the majority of colleges accept applications without test scores, having strong scores can still benefit students — especially at selective colleges. Don’t miss the table at the end that lays out several possible situations with recommendations for sending scores — or not.
Background on Shifting Test Polices
How did we get here? Before 2020, most colleges required test scores from the SAT or ACT as part of an admissions application. A few colleges had test optional policies, but they were outliers. Then when Covid pandemic restrictions shut down testing sites, nearly every college shifted to allow students to submit their applications without a test score.
Now that testing is available again, you will see a mix of admissions test policies. A few schools reverted back to requiring test scores, but many others have retained some kind of test optional policy, and some are even test blind. You need to understand that test optional doesn’t mean the same thing at every college. There are also new terms like “test flexible” and “test preferred” which have shifting meanings from year to year and school to school. You need to understand the policies for test scores at each college you want to apply to and make a testing plan that serves your specific goals.
What Does ‘Test-Optional’ Really Mean for Your Application?
A “test optional” admissions policy means the college will consider an application complete with or without test scores. Even at test optional colleges, test scores might still matter for admissions. If a student submits test scores, the college will usually consider them when reviewing their application.
As a general rule, including strong test scores in an application is helpful – especially if the scores confirm strong classroom grades in rigorous courses. However, a low test score might be seen as a negative, and some admissions reps warn that they “can’t unsee a test score” or that lower scores will detract from an application. Other colleges say they use a “no harm” policy and will ignore or block out test scores that would not benefit the application.
Most admissions officers suggest students submit scores if they are at or above the median score for the college. Unfortunately, most databases only show score averages for the students who chose to submit them and then enrolled at that college. These averages don’t reflect different pools of applicants, like in state vs out of state students, and they may not reflect differing admissions expectations for individual programs, such as humanities vs engineering. When I work with students, it takes time to find and analyze available data so I can recommend whether or not they include test scores with their application.
Test-Required Colleges: When Test Scores Are Still a Must
Test required means that the college requires test scores in order for an application to be complete. Some colleges returned to requiring test scores as soon as pandemic restrictions ended. This was most common with public universities in states with a state scholarship program based on test scores, like Florida’s Bright Futures scholarship.
Military college programs including service academies and college ROTC scholarships not only require but place significant weight on test scores. Some programs like Navy and Air Force ROTC scholarships even require a minimum test score in order to submit an application.
In 2024 several high profile colleges announced a return to requiring test scores for admissions. This included Yale University, Caltech, Dartmouth College, and Harvard University. If you ask admissions reps at these schools if test scores still matter for college admissions, the answer is yes, especially if applications to these colleges continue to rise. Some colleges also said they found that students withheld test scores that might have helped them.
Yale University explained when they reinstated a testing requirement, a score that is below the median might still benefit a student. If a student attends a high school with fewer resources, a score could “give the committee greater confidence that they are likely to achieve academic success in college.” Yale enrolls a high scoring cohort. For Fall 2023 the middle 50% was 1500-1560 for SAT and 33-35 for ACT. A student from a low-resourced high school with a 1450 would still demonstrate a strong academic readiness.
Yale’s new policy is actually “test-flexible.” Students must submit scores, but can choose between SAT, ACT, Advanced Placement, and International Baccalaureate scores. It will be interesting to see if other highly selective universities follow suit and broaden the spectrum of tests that meet their admissions requirements.
Test-Blind Admissions: When Colleges Ignore SAT & ACT Scores
Test optional does not mean that admissions decisions are test blind. A test blind policy means that SAT or ACT scores are not used at all for admissions. However, test blind admissions policies are relatively rare.
One major example is the University of California system, which uses a test blind policy and “no longer considers SAT or ACT test scores when making admissions decisions or awarding scholarships.” But the UCs may still refer to test scores to determine if a student has met the minimum course requirements and for placement after admissions.
In other words, an SAT or ACT score might help a student meet the admissions course requirements for English or place the student in their freshman math course, but they won’t be used to directly compare students for admissions. So, do test scores still matter for college admissions in the University of California system? Not in the traditional sense, but they might still play a role in meeting other requirements.
The entire Cal State University system is also test blind, as is Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Massachusetts.
How to Decide If You Should Submit SAT/ACT Scores
| Situation | Recommendation |
| Test scores are higher than the college’s median | If your test scores exceed the median for your college of interest, submitting them can strengthen your application, especially if your academic record is also strong. Check the Common Data Set or the college website for this information. |
| Test scores are below the college’s median | If your test scores fall below the median, you prioritize test-optional schools. Submit scores only if they won’t detract from your application. |
| You missed out on standardized testing due to external factors | If you couldn’t take the tests due to issues like cancellations, contact the admissions office to explain the situation and see if exceptions are possible. |
| You are applying to a competitive program | For highly selective programs (e.g., Engineering, Business), test scores can play a significant role. A high score can improve your chances. |
| You are applying to a military academy or ROTC scholarship | Military college programs require SAT or ACT scores and may have minimum score requirements to apply. |
| You are a homeschooler or international student, or your school uses narrative transcripts instead of grades | Many colleges may require test scores to assess your academic ability – even if they are test optional for more traditional students. Be sure to check each college’s specific requirements. |
| Your state offers scholarships based on test scores | Make sure your scores meet the eligibility requirements and focus on targeted test preparation to maximize your chances of qualifying. |
| Your intended major has specific testing requirements | Certain majors (e.g., Nursing, Education) may still require test scores because of state licensure requirements. Research program-specific requirements and prepare accordingly. |
The primary factors colleges consider in admissions are grades in college prep classes, overall high school GPA, the strength of the high school curriculum, and student engagement outside the classroom. Even when considered, test scores tend to be of moderate or limited importance.
You should make a testing plan that includes thoughtful preparation. But it’s more important to have a wise and balanced college list; write essays that communicate who you are outside of courses, grades, and test scores; and submit timely and complete applications. I help high school students and their families approach college admissions with calm, clarity, and confidence. If you’d like help with this, fill out the Contact form.
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