In recent years, many colleges and universities have adopted test-optional policies for the ACT and SAT, giving students the choice to apply to their schools without submitting test scores. This shift, spurred by a desire to make the admissions process more inclusive, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, has changed the landscape of college admissions. Despite this change, the ACT and SAT remain highly relevant and can be significant assets for students in the competitive admissions process. 

Here’s why these tests continue to matter, even in a test-optional environment.

1. ACT/SAT Scores Can Strengthen an Application

Although colleges may not require ACT or SAT scores, strong scores can still make a student’s application stand out. In a pool of applicants where many students have similar GPAs, extracurriculars, and letters of recommendation, a high standardized test score can set a candidate apart. Admissions officers often view strong ACT or SAT scores as indicators of academic readiness, particularly for schools with rigorous programs. According to research from the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), 61% of colleges reported that standardized test scores are still an important factor in admission decisions, despite the rise in test-optional policies.  Students who might not have had access to as many Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) classes can compensate and demonstrate college readiness by having a high ACT or SAT score.  Furthermore, since not all high schools grade on the same scale or offer advanced courses, standardized tests provide a universal metric to compare applicants from diverse educational backgrounds.

2. A Way to Overcome Grade Inflation

Grade inflation has been a growing concern in American high schools, with a notable increase in the number of students achieving high GPAs. This trend can make it challenging for colleges to distinguish between high-performing students. The ACT and SAT offer a standardized measure that can provide context for GPAs and make it easier for colleges to assess students objectively. Some admissions experts argue that test scores can help identify students who may have attended less rigorous high schools, ensuring that students from all educational backgrounds have a fair shot.

3. Scholarship Opportunities are Often Linked to Test Scores

One of the most compelling reasons to take the ACT or SAT is the access they provide to scholarship opportunities. Many merit-based scholarships offered by colleges, private organizations, and state governments still use test scores as a criterion for awarding funds. For example, the National Merit Scholarship Program, one of the largest sources of academic scholarships in the U.S., is based on PSAT/NMSQT scores—a test highly aligned with the SAT. Additionally, numerous institutions offer automatic merit scholarships for students who achieve specific test score thresholds, which can help reduce the financial burden of college.

4. ACT and SAT Scores Provide Flexibility in the Application Process

Test-optional policies allow students to decide if their scores reflect their academic abilities and support their application. If a student has an impressive test score, they can submit it to bolster their application. If their score does not reflect their capabilities, they can choose not to include it. This flexibility means that preparing for and taking these tests can provide students with more options rather than limiting them. Even if a student attends a test-optional school, a strong test score can serve as a reliable piece of evidence of their academic abilities and provide reassurance to admissions officers.

5. Preparing for the ACT and SAT Builds Academic Skills

Preparing for the ACT or SAT can also foster skills that help students succeed in college and beyond. Test preparation often enhances critical reading, problem-solving, and time-management skills, which are crucial in higher education. Studies suggest that students who score well on these tests are more likely to excel in college coursework, as the skills tested on the ACT and SAT are directly applicable to the academic demands of college.

6. Global Applied Recognition

For students considering studying abroad, the ACT and SAT are often recognized by international institutions as well. Many foreign universities value U.S.-based standardized tests, especially in countries like Canada and the U.K. This can broaden students’ options and give them an edge if they apply to institutions that weigh standardized test scores more heavily than American test-optional schools do.

While it’s true that students now have the option to apply without test scores, taking the ACT or SAT remains a strategic choice that can positively impact college applications and scholarship opportunities. For students who perform well, test scores add a competitive edge, validate academic readiness, and open doors to additional financial aid. In a world where college admissions grow increasingly complex, the ACT and SAT continue to be valuable tools that can help students maximize their potential and broaden their options.

Sources:

1. National Association for College Admission Counseling. (2022). State of College Admission Report.

2. College Board. (2022). The SAT and College Success.

3. ACT, Inc. (2022). The Role of Standardized Testing in College Admissions.

4. Forbes. (2023). “Why Standardized Testing Still Matters in Test-Optional Admissions.”

5. U.S. News & World Report. (2023). “Test Scores and Merit Scholarships: Why Taking the SAT/ACT Can Pay Off.”

6. Inside Higher Ed. (2023). “Colleges and Grade Inflation: A Growing Concern in Admissions.”