We’ve got to stop thinking about test “optional”
Test scores are no longer optional. Colleges instituted “test optional” plans during Covid, as test sites were shutting down, making it very hard to find a seat.
Now test sites are open, and colleges are going back to test policies pre-2020.
With the barriers removed, certain colleges are seeing a drop off in student performance when they start their freshman year. And it’s bringing serious concerns about grade inflation into the discussion. GPAs are on the rise across the country and poor test scores bring this to light. Colleges like Harvard are bringing test scores back as a check on this phenomenon.
What Scores Does My Student Need to Be Competitive?
You’ll want to review your test score to the average of admitted students. These are expressed at ranges of 25-75%. If your score is below the 50% number, don’t submit or reconsider applying.
What are the different types of test policies?
Colleges have many different versions:
Tests are mandatory - meaning scores are self-reported on the Common App and sent from the College Board.
Tests are preferred - meaning colleges want to see scores, but not submitting may be seen as a sign they are not competitive. You’ll always want to submit scores to these schools, so make sure they’re competitive.
Tests “do not harm” - if you submit a score that hurts their application, it will be taken out of the review process.
Tests are optional - scores can be reported, but only submit them if they help your application (above the 50% number mentioned above).
Tests are blind - the school will not look at any test scores in their evaluation of your application.
The role of their grade point average:
Your student’s gpa matters. As stated above, make sure your student has the following scores in accordance with their gpa:
If their gpa is 3.8 or higher, a 1400 or higher is expected.
If their gpa is between 3.4 and 3.8, a 1300 minimum is best.
If their gpa is below 3.4, aim for a 1100.
SAT Test Scores “In Context”
The high school profile shows how students score on standardized tests, along with average grade point averages, and curriculum. Every applicant is reviewed with this document in hand to see how they compare to the average performance of students from the same high school. You can get this information from your guidance counselor.
You’ll want to compare your student’s score to the average for their high school. If their score is well above average, that will be considered competitive.
High test scores help with merit aid
Even if a school is test blind in making acceptance decisions, it does not mean that a high test score won’t be appreciated. Colleges do use high SAT scores for merit aid, so use that as another incentive.
How do I find the latest test policies by school?
A great website to see the latest test policies is at ACT/SAT Optional List for Fall 2025 - Fairtest. To be 100% sure, it is important to double check this data on the school’s website.
The Role of the Common Data Set
You should check each school’s Common Data Set to get further information on test scores and admissions. This is easily found through a google search: [college name] cds. You’ll want to download the most recent set of data.
The Important Sections on the Common Data Set for Test Scores
Section C7: Relative importance of each of the following academic and nonacademic factors in your first-time, first-year, degree-seeking general (not including programs with specific criteria) admissions decisions. This right here will show you how the school will use the test scores in admissions decisions. The choices are: Very Important, Important, Considered, and Not Considered. Any item in this section that is rated above Not Considered is important to have the best influence in your application.
Section C9: Percent and number of first-time, first-year students enrolled in Fall 202x who submitted national standardized (SAT/ACT) test scores. You will see the amount of students who enrolled and submitted scores. Finding the amount of accepted students who submitted tests is better. This may be provided by the school in their press releases on admitted students.
Average Test Scores by Acceptance Rate:
A test score of 1050 is the national average and is the benchmark for college admissions.
Acceptance Rate:
Competitive SAT Range by Acceptance Rate:
Under 10%: 1520-1580
10-25%: 1400-1520
25-50%: 1300-1400
50-75%: 1150-1300
Above 75%: 1050-1150
Top Flagship State Universities will have lower average scores for instate students than out of state.
When you need to start preparing for the SAT:
Have your student start test prep by the fall of junior year. This can be done through a paid tutor or free through Khan Academy or the College Board website.
Plan to take the test 3 times during junior year: December, March, and June. The highest gains can be seen with this number of tests, as anymore will show diminishing returns. Only schedule testing when your student has done their best preparation. It is not worth testing if your student hasn’t studied.
If you want support on making these decisions:
A college consultant with Independent Educational Consultants Association membership is best prepared to give this guidance. College consultants, like myself, are best prepared to find colleges that will fit your student best for their gpa and SAT score, as well as social and financial fit.