For many families, the rise of test-optional college admissions seemed to deliver a simple message: “My student doesn’t need to take the SAT or ACT anymore.” But that’s not necessarily what test-optional means.
In fact, deciding whether to take – and whether to submit – the SAT or ACT may still be an important part of a student’s overall college strategy. The key is understanding the difference between “not required” and “not valuable.”
At Pathfinders College & Career Advisors, we encourage families to look at standardized testing the same way we look at every other part of the college decision: Does it help this student reach the right career and educational outcome at the right cost? Because the goal shouldn’t simply be getting into college. The goal is identifying where your student is headed, determining the education required to get there, and making that educational investment as wisely as possible.
What Does “Test-Optional” Really Mean?
A test-optional college allows a student to apply without submitting an SAT or ACT score. That does not necessarily mean the college ignores scores from students who choose to submit them. At a test-optional institution, a submitted score can still be considered as part of the application. By contrast, a test-blind or test-free institution generally does not use SAT or ACT scores when making admission decisions.
Policies vary significantly from one institution to another. And families need to be particularly careful about assuming that today’s testing policy will be the policy in place when their student applies. The testing landscape continues to change. For example, Yale announced in May 2026 that it would again require first-year and transfer applicants to submit an ACT or SAT. Harvard also currently requires the SAT or ACT for applicants, with limited exceptions.
That makes one thing very clear: Families should check the current testing policy of every school on their student’s list rather than relying on what they heard a year or two ago.
If a College Is Test-Optional, Why Take the Test?
Because taking a test and submitting a test score are two different decisions. A student can take the SAT or ACT, see the results, and then determine whether those results strengthen the application. That preserves options. Skipping the test entirely eliminates those options before the family knows whether a score might have helped.
Think of the SAT or ACT as another potential asset in the student’s application. If the score adds value, use it. If it doesn’t – and the school truly allows the student to apply without it – the family may decide not to submit it. But that decision should be made strategically and not simply because the words “test-optional” appear on an admissions website.
When Could Submitting an SAT or ACT Score Help?
There is no single answer for every student or every college. But there are several situations where a score may deserve serious consideration.
1. The score strengthens the student’s academic story
A strong SAT or ACT score can provide another piece of evidence showing that a student is academically prepared. This matters especially when a student attends an especially rigorous high school, had one difficult semester, improved significantly during high school, has particularly strong math or reading abilities, or is applying to a competitive academic program.
2. The score compares favorably with students admitted to that school
Families should research the academic profile of students admitted to each college. If your student’s score is competitive relative to the scores reported by an institution, submitting it may strengthen the academic portion of the application. The question isn’t “Is 1300 a good SAT score?” The better question is “Is 1300 a useful SAT score for this student, applying to these schools and these programs?”
3. A test score gives admissions another data point to consider
Imagine two students with similar grades, comparable course rigor, and similar extracurricular involvement. If one student also submits a strong standardized test score, that score provides the admissions team with an additional piece of evidence about the student’s academic readiness. The question shouldn’t simply be “Do we have to submit a score?” Instead, ask: “Would submitting this score give the admissions team another reason to say yes?”
Don’t Forget About Scholarships
This is the part of the test-optional conversation that families can easily overlook. Admission and scholarship consideration are not always the same thing. A college may allow a student to apply for admission without a test score while still using SAT or ACT scores for certain merit scholarships.
The University of Alabama provides a clear example. For its 2027 freshman automatic merit scholarships, standardized test scores are part of the eligibility criteria. Families need to ask beyond “Do we need a score to get admitted?” They should also ask: “Could this score affect how much we pay?” That is a much more important financial question.
Start With the Career, Not the Test
This is where the Pathfinders approach is different. Standardized testing shouldn’t be the starting point. Neither should the college. We believe families should start with the end in mind.
- Identify career direction – What occupations and career paths fit the student’s interests, abilities, values, and goals?
- Determine the education required – Does this career require a bachelor’s degree? A specific major? Graduate school? A technical credential?
- Identify schools and programs that fit – Which educational options prepare this student effectively for the career they’re considering?
- Understand the financial investment – What will each pathway actually cost? What scholarships may be available? What is the potential ROI?
- Build the testing strategy – Only now can the family properly answer the SAT/ACT question for each school on the list.
So, Does the SAT or ACT Still Matter?
For some students, absolutely. For others, considerably less. That’s exactly the point. The right question isn’t “Does the SAT or ACT still matter?” It’s “Does the SAT or ACT matter for my student’s plan?”
Testing policies vary by institution and continue to evolve. Test scores may also have uses beyond the admission decision itself, including scholarship consideration, placement, and specific academic programs. Before deciding to skip the SAT or ACT because a college says it’s test-optional, make sure you understand what that decision could mean for admission, scholarships, educational options, and your family’s overall college strategy.
Start with the career. Then build the education strategy around it. Schedule a complimentary strategy call with Pathfinders Advisors to learn how we can help your family navigate this decision with confidence.
Testing, admission and scholarship policies change frequently. Families should always verify current requirements, deadlines and scholarship criteria directly with each college or university before making application or testing decisions.
