The rising tide is here as some universities begin removing the test-optional policy for applications and admittance, while others embrace it. Students need to prepare themselves for the ever-changing admissions process. College admissions can be unpredictable; with thousands of impressive students across the country fighting tooth and nail for a seat, students can maximize their chances with a stellar standardized test score.

Following the Covid outbreaks of 2020 that cancelled testing sites for most students, roughly 90 percent of universities initiated a “test optional” or “test blind” policy. If unable to attend an SAT or ACT test, students had the opportunity to choose not to send a standardized test score, which wouldn’t give any benefit or disadvantage to their application. In recent years, some schools have redacted this admissions approach, believing that the SAT and ACT tests can help differentiate applicants and accurately predict a student’s success in a college setting. From an administrative perspective, Molly Chace ’00, Assistant Principal of Faculty Services, gives insight on this assumption.

“I think [admissions] want to ensure that they have the level of students who can be successful at their university. [Testing can] also be used for placement purposes,” Chase said.

Despite pressure from the new U.S. administration regarding “merit-based” admissions, 80 percent of 4-year U.S. universities remained test-optional for the 2025 admissions cycle. In years to come, students should expect to see this number decline drastically, especially at top 20 colleges. Already, MIT, Harvard, Stanford, Yale, Purdue, and Caltech have reinstated test mandatory admissions. In contrast, colleges that have continued being “test-blind” argue that these tests favor those who are more well-off.

“I think a lot of it has to do with who has access to test prep [and] the luxury of time for extra studying,” Chase said. “I have read [that] many people or institutions who criticize the tests feel like it’s an advantage to those who have more means.”

If more and more schools begin requiring tests as part of their application process, it is a benefit for students to begin studying as early as possible. Not only will students have the opportunity to apply to colleges who require SAT or ACT scores, but they will also be more competitive applicants as a whole. The SAT and ACT is used as a standardized metric, since students come from different schools and grading systems. Mater Dei School Counselor Marybeth Nguyen ’12 shares her perspective of standardized tests.

“[Tests] would be more helpful than not having it at all,” Nguyen said. “[Schools] are finding that the scores on the test do correlate to a lot of success in college. It might not be causation, but correlation.”

Many school counselors recommend participating in both the ACT and SAT standardized tests to see which exam the student prefers. Because of the different test format, content, and timing, a student may have a better score on one test over the other. Mater Dei provides its students with many studying and tutoring opportunities for the ACT and SAT, since most universities accept both as standardized metrics. 

“Both [tests are] equivalent [and] most colleges will take a super score,” Nguyen said. “When we do the [ACT and SAT] testing at school, we give you a score report back. Those companies that organize the practice tests have an outside company where you can tutor with them if you want.”

From recent data, those students who submit test scores have a higher chance of acceptance at top universities. Participating in a standardized test, like the SAT and ACT, is not just an opportunity to submit a competitive score; it is a chance to stand out from a vast pool of applicants with similar class rigor, extracurriculars, and leadership experience. A strong test score can set a student apart and be the difference between a “we regret to inform you…” and the confetti on the acceptance email. 

“To give yourself the best shot of success is important,” Chase said. “Tests can provide an extra piece of data, which can be a wonderful thing if it’s used [correctly] at the collegiate level.”