Both the SAT and the ACT were designed to predict an applicant’s college readiness, and despite heavy criticism that both tests are flawed, they remain one of the most objective predictors of college readiness.

While nearly all the highly selective colleges have gone test optional, MIT went against the flow and reinstated the requirement for applicants to submit test scores starting in 2022/2023. MIT’s reasoning was as follows:

“Our research shows standardized tests help us better assess the academic preparedness of all applicants, and also help us identify socioeconomically disadvantaged students who lack access to advanced coursework or other enrichment opportunities that would otherwise demonstrate their readiness for MIT. We believe a requirement is more equitable and transparent than a test-optional policy.”

Except for the University of California system that will not accept a test score, the rest of the highly selective colleges will accept a test score if an applicant submits it. If they accept the test score, you can be very sure that they will evaluate it and take it under consideration for your admission decision.

A strong test score reinforces your academic performance evaluation, a step critical to whether your application moves to the next stage of evaluation.

Read Key admission criteria used by top colleges

We highly recommend that applicants prepare for and take either the SAT or the ACT as it can greatly enhance your chances of admission.

Read Here are your value for money test prep options.

Since the highly selective colleges did not lower their academic standards when they went test optional, these colleges will have to rely more heavily on other metrics to determine academic capability including GPA, the intellectual rigor of high school courses taken like AP classes, class rank and the quality of the Essay and recommendations, in the absence of a test score.

While the highly selective colleges have released limited data on how many applicants have been admitted without test scores, those colleges that have shared data show that applicants who submit test scores are getting admitted at twice the rate of those who do not submit test scores.

Read Do test scores improve chances of admission?

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