Why the ACT & SAT Still Matter in the Era of Test-Optional Admissions (2/16/25)
Over the past few years, the rise of test-optional policies has reshaped the college admissions landscape. Many schools initially embraced these policies as a way to provide more equitable opportunities, particularly during the pandemic. However, as we move deeper into 2025, a growing number of colleges are reconsidering their stance. Despite the popularity of test-optional admissions, the evidence increasingly suggests that submitting strong SAT or ACT scores remains a crucial advantage for students. In fact, some institutions that previously adopted test-optional policies are now reversing course and reinstating standardized testing requirements. Here’s why students should still prioritize the SAT and ACT in 2025 and beyond.
The Test-Optional Myth: What Colleges Don’t Tell You
Many students assume that "test-optional" means that SAT and ACT scores no longer matter. However, this is far from the truth. In reality:
Test-optional does not mean test-blind. Colleges will still review and consider test scores if submitted. In fact, few colleges are truly test-blind (where scores are not considered at all).
Institutional priorities play a role. Schools benefit from a larger applicant pool when they go test-optional, which makes their admissions rates appear more selective.
Other metrics are now under scrutiny. With widespread grade inflation and the rise of AI-assisted applications, standardized tests remain one of the few objective measures of academic ability.
As a result, students who submit strong test scores are able to differentiate themselves from the competition.
The Hidden Effects of Test-Optional Policies
The shift to test-optional policies has had unintended consequences, particularly in the form of increased competition and decreased acceptance rates.
1. Increased Applicant Pools, Lower Acceptance Rates
According to Compass Education Group, test-optional policies have led to record-high application numbers at nearly every test-optional college. This surge in applications has caused acceptance rates to plummet, making it harder than ever to gain admission.
For example:
The University of Chicago, one of the first elite schools to go test-optional, has seen a dramatic rise in applications while maintaining a low acceptance rate.
Schools such as Harvard, Stanford, and Yale have reported historically low acceptance rates, even while remaining test-optional.
By submitting scores, students can stand out in an increasingly competitive admissions environment. To check out the full article by Compass Education Group, you can click here.
2. Colleges Are “Testing” You
Many institutions view the decision to submit scores as an indicator of student effort and academic seriousness. If a student chooses not to submit scores, admissions officers may wonder:
Did they avoid the test because they struggled academically?
Did they take the "easier" route by not preparing?
In contrast, students who submit scores—especially strong ones—demonstrate ambition and preparedness.
3. Challenges in Holistic Review
One of the biggest unintended consequences of test-optional policies has been the strain on holistic review processes. Because applications have skyrocketed, many colleges are now struggling to evaluate students fairly and thoroughly. Some institutions have resorted to automated systems or artificial intelligence (AI) tools to handle the overwhelming number of applications. This reliance on algorithms means that students who could have made a compelling case for admission through test scores and personal essays may now be overlooked due to impersonal screening methods.
Additionally, overworked admissions officers face difficulty distinguishing between applicants, especially with increasing grade inflation. With more students earning high GPAs and AI-assisted essays becoming more common, standardized test scores provide a crucial metric that helps colleges identify truly high-achieving students in a fair and consistent way.
The Return of Standardized Testing Requirements
In recent years, several prominent institutions have reinstated standardized testing requirements for undergraduate admissions, reflecting a broader trend toward recognizing the value of SAT and ACT scores in evaluating applicants.
Harvard University: In April 2024, Harvard announced that students applying for fall 2025 admission (Class of 2029) must submit standardized test scores. This decision underscores the university's commitment to using standardized tests as a tool to identify talent across diverse socioeconomic backgrounds.
Yale University: In February 2024, Yale introduced a "test-flexible" policy requiring all first-year and transfer applicants to submit standardized test scores. Applicants can choose from the SAT, ACT, Advanced Placement (AP) exams, or International Baccalaureate (IB) exams to fulfill this requirement.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT): In March 2022, MIT reinstated its SAT/ACT requirement, emphasizing that standardized tests provide crucial information about applicants' preparedness for the institute's rigorous academics.
Georgetown University: Throughout the test-optional trend, Georgetown has consistently required standardized test scores, maintaining that they are a vital component of a holistic admissions process.
Public University Systems: The public university systems in Florida and Georgia have also reinstated SAT/ACT requirements, reflecting a commitment to standardized testing in their admissions processes.
These examples represent a small fraction of the universities that have reverted their test-optional policies in the past few years. This movement among institutions highlights a renewed emphasis on standardized testing as a means to assess academic readiness and potential, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of applicants.
Grade Inflation and the Need for Standardized Metrics
Another major factor in the renewed importance of the SAT and ACT is grade inflation. Research from The 74 Million and ACT, Inc. has found that:
High school GPAs have risen significantly over the years, even as standardized test scores have remained more stable.
Grade inflation has been particularly pronounced in wealthier school districts, leading to questions about the reliability of GPA as a standalone admissions metric.
A compelling visual from 1600.io illustrates how GPAs have continued to climb, making it harder for colleges to differentiate between truly exceptional students and those who have simply benefited from inflation.
AI and the Future of College Admissions
The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) tools, such as ChatGPT, has further complicated the admissions process. With students increasingly using AI to craft college essays and application materials, admissions officers are struggling to distinguish between authentic student work and AI-generated content. Standardized tests provide a controlled and objective measure of student ability—one that cannot be influenced by AI tools. As colleges navigate this new reality, test scores will likely become even more valuable.
Why Students Should Still Take the SAT or ACT
Given these trends, students should seriously consider taking and submitting standardized test scores. Here’s why:
Scores help you stand out. With record-high application numbers, a strong SAT or ACT score can differentiate you from other applicants.
Scholarship opportunities. Many merit-based scholarships still require test scores, even at test-optional schools.
Colleges are shifting back. Several institutions have already reinstated test requirements, and more may follow.
Grade inflation and AI concerns. With GPAs becoming less reliable and AI influencing applications, standardized tests remain a critical admissions factor.
Final Thoughts: Testing is Here to Stay
Despite the initial excitement surrounding test-optional policies, the reality is that the SAT and ACT are still essential for competitive college admissions. The growing concerns over grade inflation, AI-generated applications, and the increasing difficulty of standing out in massive applicant pools make standardized testing more important than ever. Students who strategically prepare for and submit strong test scores will have a significant advantage in the admissions process. Instead of seeing the SAT and ACT as obstacles, students should recognize them as powerful tools for setting themselves apart.
In short, test-optional doesn’t mean test-useless—quite the opposite. If you’re serious about improving your ACT or SAT score, now is the time to start preparing. These new ACT changes could work in your favor—if you know how to adapt your strategy. Let’s build a personalized test-prep plan to help you achieve your goals.
Contact me today to get started with expert ACT/SAT tutoring and take the next step toward college success!
