In the past few years, colleges and universities across the United States have reconsidered their testing policies, with most going test-optional.
So, what does this mean for students applying to college? Should students not take standardized tests at all? What are test scores used for anyway?
Even before 2020, over a thousand colleges and universities were test-optional, meaning you could decide whether or not to submit your test scores as part of your application. Now, over 2000 colleges are test optional for fall 2025. Not all of these schools plan to be test optional indefinitely, so underclassmen should continue to check this list and individual school policies. A small amount of those are test blind.
I’ll attempt to cut through any fluff and get right to the point. Colleges tell families and counselors that they are test optional for admissions; however, some state public schools have verbalized that a submitted test score may put the student into a higher scholarship range. So, for students that need every dollar in order to attend a four-year college, testing should not be viewed as optional.
If you're curious about which standardized test you should take, read this article next: ACT or SAT? Everything You Need to Know to Choose the Best Test for You.
Public colleges may require a minimum test score for entrance into a college major. If you apply test optional, be sure to ask the college representative if you will need a test score for your major. You may also run across a college that uses subscores for placement into math courses.
Over its long history, standardized tests have served many purposes including leveling the playing field by making up for the differences in academic programs across the country. More recently, it’s become a tool for admission officers to predict the ability of applicants to perform academically during their first year. It’s not meant to be an intelligence test or a predictor of graduation.
The conversation surrounding the role of standardized testing in college admissions has truly come into focus since 2020. As the purpose behind these tests remains in flux, one thing seems to be certain: we cannot simply go back to normal. In order for colleges and universities to contribute to a healthy functioning society, standardized testing must adapt.
This article was originally published on November 10, 2020. It was updated on September 16, 2024 for accuracy and comprehensiveness.