For decades colleges and universities have relied heavily on two tests to help them make their admissions decisions. For just as long, educators have argued that these tests don’t accurately reflect a student’s ability to be successful in college. Placing so much weight on a single standardized test has led students to ignore the activities that ARE indicators of future success like enrolling in challenging classes, having a job or engaging in experiential learning opportunities so that they can spend a significant amount of time preparing for a test.
Due to the pandemic, in 2020 colleges were forced to remove their testing requirements. This prompted the testing companies to implement some long-desired changes. The essays, arbitrary vocabulary sections and point deductions for incorrect answers have been removed in favor of more reading and evidenced based questions, and options for taking the test remotely.
of colleges still don’t require the SAT or ACT test
Now four years out from the pandemic, 80% of colleges still don’t require the SAT or ACT. However, a large number of colleges and universities have become what is known as “Test Optional” schools. This means you can submit a test score if you would like to. A good score can make it more likely that you will be eligible for scholarships and other awards.
Furthermore, a small number of the colleges with the nation’s very best financial aid programs are starting to require testing again. This list of colleges includes most of the Ivy League schools and many other top universities.
What does this mean for current high school students who are planning on college? First, it’s a good idea to at least try the SAT or ACT, because a good score can significantly improve the likelihood of getting into top colleges and receiving strong financial aid packages.
Because colleges are reviewing students more holistically than they were five years ago, it is important to push yourself in multiple areas. In addition to good grades and test scores, colleges really want to find students who are:
- Taking the most challenging classes at their high schools, especially the APs (Advanced Placement).
- Engaging in some sort of meaningful work outside of the classroom. That can be clubs, volunteering, internships, sports or jobs.
- Making a positive impact on a community they are a part of, including but not limited to their town, school or even their own household.
While standardized testing will likely never go away totally, it is no longer recommended to spend hundreds of hours or thousands of dollars on test prep. Your time would be much better used working to improve your grades and finding an area outside of school that you’re passionate about and can become more involved in.
For those looking to get ready for the SAT or ACT, we recommend using Khan Academy’s test prep program. It was created in collaboration with the organization that oversees the SAT, it is absolutely free, and most importantly, after taking their diagnostic exam, it tailors its questions to the specific needs of the student studying.