If you’re a high school student (or the parent of one), you’ve probably heard a lot of mixed messages about standardized tests. Some colleges say they’re optional. Others are bringing back test requirements. And a few are somewhere in between. So, how do you decide whether to take the SAT or ACT? Let’s break it down.
Colleges Are Changing the Rules — Again
First, know this: testing policies aren’t set in stone. In the past few months, the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Miami have announced they’re bringing back test requirements after several years of being test-optional. Both schools say they’ve seen value in test scores to help evaluate academic preparation.
These recent decisions follow other schools reinstating test requirements. For example, MIT announced in 2022 that it was bringing back its SAT/ACT requirement for students applying to the Class of 2027. MIT explained that scores — especially in math — were strong predictors. Dartmouth followed suit, announcing in February 2024 that students applying for the Class of 2029 would once again need to submit test scores. Dartmouth cited its own data showing that test scores added valuable context with such wide variation in high school grades.
At the same time, more than 2,000 colleges remain test-optional, including other prestigious schools like Columbia. The result? Families should pay close attention to the testing policies at every school their student is considering.
6 Key Factors in Your Decision
- Your College List
Every school is making its own call when it comes to testing. Some require scores, some don’t, and some are still deciding. Know where your target schools stand before you rule out testing. - Your Strengths
Are you a solid test-taker? Great scores could give your application an extra boost — even at test-optional schools. If testing isn’t your strong suit, you might rely on your grades, essays, and extracurriculars instead. - Scholarships Matter
Here’s a piece families often overlook: some merit scholarships still require test scores, even if the college itself is test-optional. If you’re chasing scholarship money, taking a test could open more financial doors. - Your Personal Story
What’s your application story? If you’ve got a strong transcript, powerful personal essay, and impressive activities, you might not need test scores to stand out. But if your grades are a little uneven, a strong test score could help. - “Optional” Isn’t Always Optional
Some schools are truly test-optional — they mean it. Others say they’re test-optional but quietly prefer to see scores. Research how each college treats applicants with and without scores. (See the section below on how to use the Common Data Set.) - The Big Picture (Including AI Concerns)
There’s also a wild card: AI tools. Some colleges worry students rely on AI to write their essays, making it harder to evaluate authentic work. In fact, a top French university (Sciences Po) recently reinstated a written entrance exam partly due to these concerns. While that specific move hasn’t happened widely in the U.S., it’s a reminder that admissions policies continue to evolve — and testing could play a bigger role if essay credibility comes into question. Many colleges put essays through AI detection tools.
How to Use the Common Data Set to Find Test Requirements
If you want to know the real story about how much a college values test scores, the Common Data Set (CDS) is one of the most powerful — yet underused — tools out there. Every year, most colleges publish a Common Data Set, a detailed report that spells out exactly what they consider when evaluating applicants.
The easiest way to find it? Google “Common Data Set [College Name]” and you’ll typically find it on the school’s institutional research or data website (it’s usually not linked directly from admissions pages).
Once you open the Common Data Set, pay special attention to these two sections:
- Section C7: What Does the College Consider?
This chart rates how important various factors are in the admissions process, including test scores, GPA, essays, and extracurriculars. If test scores are marked as “Very Important” or even “Important,” that’s a clear signal that the school prefers to see scores — even if they call themselves test-optional. - Section C9: Who Submitted Test Scores?
This section shows the percentage of enrolled students who submitted SAT or ACT scores. If a school says they’re test-optional but 80% or more of enrolled students submitted test scores, that’s a strong clue that submitting scores gives applicants an advantage.
This is how families can cut through the confusion between test-optional, test-preferred, and test-required. The Common Data Set reveals what admissions offices actually do — not just what they say.
For selective colleges, if test scores are rated as important and a high percentage of enrolled students submitted scores, it’s smart to assume those schools favor test scores even if they’re technically test-optional. Armed with this data, you can make a more informed decision about whether to submit scores.
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Bottom Line
Take at least one test if you can — even if you’re applying mostly to test-optional schools. Testing keeps your options open, whether you need it for admissions, scholarships, or last-minute policy changes. In today’s unpredictable admissions landscape, flexibility is your best friend.
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Other Articles You Might Also Like:
What to Know about the Digital SAT
Achieving a Good Score on the SAT: How the Test Works and Tips for Success
The Difference Between SAT and ACT
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