The Test-Optional Tipping Point: Should You Still Take the SAT/ACT in 2025?

Introduction

When test-optional policies swept across the college admissions world in 2020, many hailed it as a revolution. Suddenly, the SAT and ACT weren't gatekeepers—they were optional side characters. But in 2025, the pendulum is swinging back.

Some schools are returning to test requirements. Others remain silent but prefer applicants who submit scores. And many students are left confused, wondering: Should I still take the SAT or ACT in 2025?

The honest answer? It depends—but in many cases, yes.

Let’s unpack the data, debunk the myths, and give you a clear strategy based on your goals and profile.

Who’s Test-Optional in 2025—And Who’s Not?

As of Spring 2025, colleges fall into three categories:

Policy	Colleges
Still Test-Optional	Harvard, Stanford, Yale (tentatively), Princeton, UPenn, Brown, Columbia, Cornell
Test-Required (Again)	Dartmouth, MIT, Georgetown, Georgia Tech, University of Florida
Test-Recommended	Purdue, UNC Chapel Hill, UT Austin, University of Michigan, University of Virginia

Expect this list to shift. In fact, Dartmouth’s decision in early 2024 triggered serious ripple effects, especially among STEM-focused institutions. MIT’s 2022 policy change already laid the groundwork. Some schools are test-optional in name but not in practice.

The trend is clear: selective public and STEM-heavy schools are leaning back toward testing.

Why the Shift? The Real Reasons Behind the Return of Testing

You might think test-optional policies were all about equity—and they were, to an extent. But behind the scenes, colleges are facing serious challenges without standardized tests:

Grade Inflation Is Rampant

In 2023, over 65% of applicants to top 30 colleges had GPAs higher than 4.0. Without SAT/ACT scores, it's increasingly difficult to distinguish between truly exceptional students and those with inflated transcripts.

Too Many Perfect GPAs, Too Little Context

Colleges are drowning in high-achieving applicants. Polished essays and curated résumés are everywhere. A test score, even now, can be a useful differentiator.

Ironically, Equity

Yes, tests can level the playing field. Students from under-resourced schools may lack AP classes or prestigious internships—but a high test score can signal academic talent and resilience. That’s one reason MIT and Dartmouth say it helps low-income applicants shine.

Predicting Academic Readiness

Especially in math-heavy majors (like engineering, data science, or finance), standardized test scores correlate strongly with first-year college performance. MIT found that students who submitted scores performed better academically.

Should You Take the SAT or ACT in 2025?

Here’s how to figure it out:

✅ Take the Test If:

• You expected score is near or above the school’s 50th–75th percentile. (Use College Board’s and ACT’s percentile tools.)

• You’re applying to STEM, business, or highly selective public universities.

• You’re aiming for scholarships or honors colleges, which often require scores, even at test-optional schools.

• You attend a lesser-known or under-resourced high school. A test score can validate your academic strength.

  
  

🚫 You Might Skip the Test If:

• Your expected test score is below the school’s 25th percentile. Submitting may hurt more than help.

• You have a stellar GPA, top-tier coursework, and strong extracurriculars.

• Your dream schools are truly test-blind. (e.g., UC schools like UCLA, UC Berkeley, and UC San Diego.)

  
  

📊 What About Mixed Cases?

Let’s say your SAT is decent but not amazing. Here’s what you do:

1. Compare your score to the school’s Common Data Set (search “[College Name] Common Data Set + SAT”).

2. If your score is at or above the median, it's probably worth submitting.

3. If you're on the fence, ask a counselor or use a college admissions predictor tool to simulate outcomes with and without the score.

   
   

Test-Submitters vs. Non-Submitters: The Hidden Advantage

Colleges rarely publish this data—probably because it reveals a quiet truth: students who submit strong test scores tend to be admitted at higher rates.

Examples:

• University of Virginia (2023)

  • Test-submitters: 28% admit rate

  • Non-submitters: 18%

• Boston College (2023)

  • Test-submitters: 21%

  • Non-submitters: 12%

• Georgia Tech (2024)

  • Reinstated testing and saw increased alignment between performance and academic success.

Bottom line? If you’re submitting a competitive score, it’s often an advantage.

Wait—What Counts More Than Test Scores?

Despite all the buzz, tests are just one piece of the puzzle. What colleges value even more:

Your Transcript

GPA and course rigor remain the #1 factor in admissions. A 3.9 with APs or IB courses speaks louder than a perfect SAT alone.

Essays and Personal Voice

A 1500 SAT is great. A personal story that makes a reader feel something? Even better.

Letters of Recommendation

Insightful, specific letters—especially from teachers in your intended field—can separate you from thousands of others.

Extracurricular Impact

It’s not about quantity. It’s about depth, leadership, consistency, and growth. A few meaningful involvements outweigh ten generic ones.

Intellectual Curiosity

Research projects, summer courses, or independent study (especially when related to your intended major) go a long way.

FAQs: Test-Optional, Explained

What’s the difference between test-optional and test-blind?

Test-optional schools will consider your test scores if you send them. Test-blind schools, like the UC system, ignore scores completely—even if submitted.

What score is worth submitting?

• Ivy-caliber: SAT 1500+ or ACT 33+

• Top publics (UMich, UVA, UNC): SAT 1400+

• Mid-range selective schools: SAT 1250–1350

Can I take the SAT/ACT multiple times?

Yes. Most schools superscore (combine your best section scores across test dates), so taking it 2–3 times is completely normal.

Which test is easier: SAT or ACT?

There’s no universal answer. The SAT leans on analytical problem-solving. The ACT is faster-paced and more straightforward. Take a practice test for each, and see which format suits you better.

Do international applicants still need to take the SAT/ACT?

Somewhat more likely, yes. Especially at schools with holistic reviews but fewer metrics for global grading systems, standardized test scores can help.

Final Word: Don’t Let the Test Define You—But Don’t Ignore It Either

The SAT and ACT aren’t dead. In fact, they’re coming back in subtle (and not-so-subtle) ways. While test-optional isn’t going away overnight, the admissions world is entering a new chapter where testing is again becoming a powerful—if not essential—tool.

But here’s what hasn’t changed:

Your story matters more than your score.

So, if you have a strong SAT/ACT score, use it. If not, focus on crafting an unforgettable narrative, showcasing your achievements, and proving that you’re more than just a number.

Because in 2025 and beyond, strategy—not stress—is what gets you in.