Are the ACT and SAT still worth taking in a world where so many colleges are test-optional? It’s a question on the minds of many high school students and parents today. With over 1,800 colleges in the U.S. no longer requiring standardized tests for admission, it’s easy to assume the ACT and SAT are becoming irrelevant. But that assumption misses the bigger picture.
Despite the rise of test-optional policies, the ACT and SAT remain important tools—not just for admissions, but for scholarships, course placement, and long-term academic growth. In fact, for many students, these tests are more than just a checkbox—they’re an opportunity.
Here’s why the ACT and SAT still matter in 2025:
The Shift to Test-Optional: What Really Changed?
The move toward test-optional admissions began gaining traction well before the pandemic, but it accelerated dramatically in 2020 when COVID-19 made in-person testing nearly impossible.
As a result, hundreds of colleges suspended their testing requirements to ensure access and fairness during uncertain times. What started as a temporary solution quickly evolved into a broader reevaluation of how colleges assess applicants.
Since then, many institutions have extended or made permanent their test-optional policies, arguing that GPA, essays, and extracurriculars offer a more holistic view of a student.
However, this shift doesn’t mean test scores have lost their value. In fact, while the requirement may be gone at many schools, a strong ACT or SAT score can still provide a competitive edge—especially at selective colleges, for scholarship consideration, and in programs that quietly favor strong academic benchmarks.
The reality is, the testing landscape has changed, but the tests themselves still matter.
A Common Academic Benchmark
While GPA remains a central factor in college admissions, it isn’t always a reliable way to compare students across the board. Grading policies can differ dramatically between high schools—what qualifies as an A in one district might be a B in another. The SAT and ACT help level the playing field by offering a standardized measure of academic ability that admissions officers can use to evaluate applicants from vastly different educational environments.
Recent studies emphasize this advantage. Research from the College Board indicates that SAT scores boost predictive accuracy by an average of 15% beyond what high school GPA alone provides—and for STEM majors, the digital SAT adds up to 38% more predictive power. Similarly, a 2024 ACT study found that while high school GPAs have become less reliable since the pandemic, ACT scores remain steady predictors of first-year college performance
Even at test-optional schools, a strong SAT or ACT score can strengthen your application by providing additional context—especially if your GPA isn’t telling the full story.
More Opportunities for Scholarships
Many merit-based scholarships continue to rely on standardized test scores as a key factor. Achieving a high ACT or SAT score can unlock access to thousands of dollars in scholarship money—sometimes even full-ride awards. For families facing the ever-increasing cost of college, this financial boost can make a significant difference.
In fact, several states and universities offer automatic scholarships to students who meet certain score benchmarks, making strong test results a valuable tool for easing the burden of tuition.
Improved College Applications
Even if a college doesn’t require standardized test scores, submitting strong ACT or SAT results can still enhance your application. Research indicates that at test-optional institutions, applicants who choose to submit their scores often have higher admission rates compared to those who do not.
For instance, a study by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that disadvantaged students with SAT scores above 1400 were more than three times as likely to receive an admissions offer if they submitted their scores than if they did not.
This suggests that submitting strong test scores can provide a competitive edge, especially if other aspects of your application, such as GPA or extracurricular activities, are less robust.
College Readiness and Placement
Many colleges use ACT and SAT scores not just for admissions but also to place students in the right courses. High scores can allow you to skip introductory classes or satisfy general education requirements, which can save both time and money.
For example, a 2024 report by the College Board found that students who scored above certain thresholds on these tests were often able to earn college credit or place out of entry-level courses, helping them progress more quickly toward their degrees.
Additionally, the process of studying for the ACT or SAT strengthens essential skills like math problem-solving, reading comprehension, and critical thinking—skills that are foundational for thriving in college and beyond.
Test-Optional Isn’t Test-Blind
It is important to understand the distinction between test-optional and test-blind. At test-optional schools, by submitting your strong ACT or SAT score you give yourself a competitve edge. In contrast, test-blind schools will not consider scores at all, even if you send them.
Another key factor to keep in mind, is that testing policies are constanly evolving – before the COVID-19 Pandemic hit, polcicies were different than what they are now. A college may reinstate a testing requirement in the future or mandatae certian scores for specific programs such as nursing, engierring, or business.
By taking the ACT or SAT, it allows you to keep your options open and ensures you are prepared, no matter how the admission policies evolve.
Personal Growth and Confidence
Preparing for and taking the ACT/SAT can be very demanding – but it is an opportunity for growth. The process helps students dvelop valueable skills like time management, goal setting, discipline, and resilience.
Even if you don’t achieve your dream score on the first try, the process can build confidence and a stronger academic mindset – skills that serve you well far beyond test day.
Although the ACT and SAT scores are no longer mandatory at every college, they are far from irrelevant.
When used strategically, strong test scores can enhance your application, unlock scholarship opportunities, and even allow you to place out of certain college courses.
Before deciding to skip these exams, consider your goals, the requirements of your target schools, and where your academic strengths lie.
For many students, taking the ACT or SAT is still a smart, strategic move in their college admissions journey.
Thinking about taking the ACT or SAT? Start early, prepare thoughtfully, and consider how your scores can help support your academic and financial future.
