Why colleges went test-optional during COVID – and which schools have since reinstated testing
If you’re applying now, the biggest headache isn’t whether the SAT or ACT is “better” – it’s that college policies shifted fast during and after the pandemic. In 2020 test centers closed, access became unequal, and many colleges stopped requiring scores to avoid penalizing students who couldn’t test. That practical fix fed a broader equity conversation: would removing required scores reduce barriers for students from under-resourced schools?
The short answer: many schools kept the change, but a growing number have reversed course or added exceptions. Test-optional means you can choose to submit scores; test-blind means scores are not considered at all; test-flexible allows alternatives to SAT/ACT. Colleges often attach caveats for scholarships, honors programs, or specific majors, so the label alone can be misleading.
Examples of institutions that have announced reinstatements or stronger testing preferences include Harvard, Yale, Dartmouth, Brown, Cornell, Caltech, Georgetown, MIT and several state systems (notably some campuses in Georgia and Florida). Timelines and rules differ by year and program-some schools require scores again for scholarship or merit decisions only, others for particular majors, and some phased changes over several application cycles.
Quick way to check a current policy: visit the college’s admissions page, scan its Common Data Set, or look for notices on Coalition/QuestBridge portals. Confirm whether the school superscores, requires test reports for aid, or has program-level exceptions before you plan test dates or skip testing entirely.
Why many top colleges are reinstating standardized tests
Admissions offices explain the reversal in practical terms: standardized tests provide a consistent data point across thousands of high schools and can help predict first-year academic performance-especially in quantitative programs. When transcripts vary in grading standards or course availability, a test score can offer admissions officers a clearer point of comparison.
- Tests create a common metric across different grading systems and school reputations.
- They can add predictive value for success in first-year classes, particularly in STEM majors.
- Strong scores can spotlight high achievers from schools with limited advanced coursework or little admissions history.
That said, most colleges stress that tests are one component of a holistic review. Scores rarely replace grades, essays, teacher recommendations, and extracurricular impact; they supplement the overall picture and sometimes serve as a tiebreaker or scholarship criterion.
Decision framework: Should you take and submit SAT/ACT scores?
Start by confirming each target school’s current testing policy for this application cycle. Then use a simple three-bucket approach to decide whether to test and submit scores, and factor in three common tiebreakers: scholarship rules, program expectations, and the risk of mid-cycle policy shifts.
- Bucket A – Strong transcript from a well-known, rigorous high school: Testing is lower priority unless required for scholarships, honors, or specific majors. If you test, check the school’s superscoring policy so you can plan retakes effectively.
- Bucket B – Strong grades from a lesser-known or low-rep school: Submit test scores. A competitive SAT/ACT can help admissions officers assess your achievement when your school lacks a long admissions record.
- Bucket C – Uneven grades or limited advanced coursework: Use testing to address gaps. Focus on hitting score ranges that align with the selectivity tier of your target colleges.
When in doubt, having a competitive score available preserves options. Practical rule of thumb: plan one to three official test attempts, and stop when gains become marginal or deadlines force a decision.
How to prepare for the Digital SAT and ACT: timeline, strategy, and score targets
Begin with a diagnostic on the official digital platform to understand your baseline. From there, follow a structured timeline with focused skill work and full-length, timed practice tests to build stamina and pacing.
- Diagnostic: take an official Digital SAT or full ACT practice test to identify strengths and weaknesses.
- Focused prep (3-4 months): prioritize algebra, data interpretation, and evidence-based reading; use short timed drills to improve pacing.
- Full-length practice tests every 3-4 weeks: simulate test-day conditions on official interfaces when possible.
- First official test: schedule late junior year or early senior year to leave time for a retake.
- Retake window (4-8 weeks after a test): target specific weaknesses; stop retesting once improvement plateaus or application deadlines near.
Digital SAT notes: the new Digital SAT runs in the College Board’s Bluebook app and uses adaptive elements, so early performance affects later difficulty. Practicing on the official digital format helps you learn the interface, timing, and digital reading rhythm. For the ACT, simulate its steadier pacing and the science-reasoning section if that plays to your strengths.
Score targets: check each college’s published middle 50% or admitted-student profile as a baseline and aim to be within or above that range for target schools. If a school superscores, plan test dates to maximize sectional improvements across administrations.
SAT vs ACT: which test fits you?
Both the SAT and ACT are accepted widely; choose the one that fits your strengths and timing preferences. The digital SAT emphasizes evidence and data interpretation with adaptive timing, while the ACT tests a broader set of topics at a steadier pace and includes a science reasoning section.
- Structure: SAT is adaptive and section-based; ACT has consistent sections and a distinct science component.
- Timing: SAT has fewer, longer sections; ACT has shorter, quicker sections that reward speed.
- Skills: SAT favors data analysis and evidence; ACT favors broad content knowledge and time management.
- Choose the test that yields your highest score relative to your target schools’ ranges.
Final checklist, common mistakes to avoid, and warning signs
Keep a single planning calendar for test dates, registration deadlines, and application cutoffs. Confirm policies early and order score reports with enough lead time so counselor and college deadlines are met.
- Confirm each target school’s current testing policy, superscoring rules, and program exceptions (admissions page, Common Data Set).
- Check whether test scores are required for scholarships, honors programs, or specific majors.
- Register early and order official score reports to meet application and counselor deadlines.
- Practice on official digital platforms to master the test interface and pacing.
Common mistakes and warning signs:
- Assuming “optional” means irrelevant-scores still matter for scholarships and comparative context at many colleges.
- Waiting too long to test, which limits retake options and increases stress.
- Ignoring program-specific requirements-some majors require scores even where the overall college is test-optional.
- Misreading announcements: a school may accept scores but require them for merit awards-read the fine print.
- Watch for red flags like sudden policy reversals for future cycles or different rules for in-state vs. out-of-state applicants.
Quick action plan: confirm policies early, take a diagnostic on the official digital platform, build a short prep calendar, and register for at least one test date with time for a retake if needed. That approach gives you options instead of forcing a last-minute scramble.
