Today's College Application Guy article uses a facts and feelings format to address a common question in college admissions. Some questions don't have a straightforward answer, so I provide data (facts) for context and then share my perspective (feelings).
Question: Do you need to take the SAT/ACT?
Answer: For most students, no. Exceptions include outstanding test-takers and those with specific college or scholarship requirements.
FACTS - Do You Need to Take the SAT/ACT?
History: The SAT has been offered since 1926 by the College Board to assess college readiness. The ACT has been an alternative since 1959.
Trend: Fewer students take these exams now. In 2023, 1.9 million (56%) high school graduates took the SAT, and 37% took the ACT.
College Requirements: Only 4% of colleges require test scores (here’s a helpful list), down from 55% pre-pandemic. Most test-required schools are highly selective (but note: most highly selective schools are, in fact, test-optional).
Test-Optional Movement: Over 1,800 institutions are now test-optional, allowing students to choose whether to submit scores without penalty.
Reversals: Some highly selective schools that adopted test-optional policies during the pandemic have reverted. Examples: Brown, Dartmouth, Yale, Cal Tech, Stanford.
Average Scores Decline: Average scores have decreased, with 2023 averages at 1028 for the SAT and 19.5 for the ACT.
Higher Scores Are Prevalent: In 1995, 136 students scored a perfect score on the SAT. Today it’s estimated that over 1,000 achieve this score each year. Superscoring, (meaning students submit their highest section scores (math, reading and writing) across test dates) likely results in many more “perfect scores”. The number of students that achieve a perfect ACT score has more than doubled since 2015. While these perfect scores are still relatively rare, it’s worth noting that super high scores really aren’t that uncommon. For example, 1% of SAT takers, or about 19,000 students, scored between 1550-1600. 7%, or 133,000 graduating high school students, scored 1400 or greater.
Misleading Data: Reported score ranges can be inflated due to superscoring and selective submission due to test optional policies (only high scoring students choose to submit scores).
Changes in Testing: The SAT is now digital and shorter, and the ACT has optional sections and is also shorter. The ACT was recently acquired by a for-profit private equity firm, raising questions about future direction and financial incentives.
Test Preference: Colleges that accept either SAT or ACT scores do so without preference, and concordance tables help compare them.
FEELINGS - Do You Need to Take the SAT/ACT?
In short - probably not.
Consider taking standardised tests if you fall into these groups:
Exceptional Test-Takers: If you can score in the top cohort, e.g. ~7% on the SAT (1400+) or ACT (30+), take the tests.
Applicants to Test-Required Colleges: Check if your target schools require scores (here’s a helpful list).
Specific Circumstances: International or homeschooled students may need to submit scores.
Scholarship Applicants: Some highly selective academic scholarships may still require test scores.
For most students, focus on excelling in your coursework. High test scores won't significantly boost your application unless they are exceptional, and test-optional colleges do not require them in order for you to be a competitive applicant.
Examples:
Bates College: Test-optional since 1984; in 2023, only 18% of admitted students submitted SAT scores.
University of Pennsylvania: Test-optional since the pandemic; in 2023, only 51% of admitted students submitted SAT scores.
Stanford University: Test-optional; in 2023, only 49% of admitted students submitted SAT scores.
The importance of standardised test scores in admissions decisions is declining. "Admission test scores" are ranked 11th in NACAC's annual admissions factors survey, with grades and curriculum strength being, perhaps obviously, most important. High test scores usually reinforce a strong application rather than compensate for weaker areas.
CONCLUSION
I get it - students face pressure regarding standardised tests from schools, peers, social media, and the billion dollar testing industry itself. However, the policies of a few highly selective colleges shouldn't dictate the approach for most students.
Let's reset the conversation about standardised testing to focus on targeted student cases. This reflects the current - and likely future - state of the SAT/ACT.
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