For decades, standardized testing has played a major role in college admissions. But in recent years, the landscape has shifted dramatically, leaving students and parents uncertain about what colleges truly expect.
Some schools have long believed that SAT and ACT scores don’t fully predict student success, choosing to admit students based on GPA, coursework rigor, and extracurriculars instead. Others, however, still see standardized tests as a key measure of academic ability.
As admissions policies continue to evolve, families face a confusing mix of test-required, test-optional, and test-blind schools—and in some cases, a lack of transparency about what colleges really prefer. At the same time, both the SAT and ACT have undergone major changes, further complicating students’ testing decisions.
To make informed choices, students and families need to understand how these policies have evolved—and why some schools are now reversing course on their test-optional stance.
How College Testing Policies Have Evolved
Before the pandemic, some colleges already had test-blind policies, meaning they did not consider SAT or ACT scores at all. These schools based admissions decisions on factors like GPA, course rigor, and extracurriculars—and they continue to stand by this philosophy.
When the pandemic made standardized testing widely unavailable, many more colleges adopted test-optional or test-flexible policies:
- Test-Optional: Students could choose whether to submit SAT/ACT scores, but strong scores could still give an edge.
- Test-Flexible: Other assessments, such as AP scores, could replace traditional SAT/ACT results.
However, as we move further away from pandemic disruptions, some schools are quietly returning to test requirements. The lack of transparency has made it difficult for families to determine whether scores truly “don’t matter”—or whether they are still an unwritten expectation.
Recent SAT & ACT Changes: What Students Need to Know
Not only have college policies shifted, but the tests themselves are undergoing major revisions:
SAT Changes (Starting 2024)
- Fully digital format
- Shortened from 3 hours to just over 2 hours
- Adaptive testing—early mistakes limit later question difficulty, capping possible scores
- Calculators allowed for all math sections
- Shorter reading passages with fewer questions
ACT Changes (Starting April 2025)
- Science section optional (only for digital test-takers)
- Shortened from 3 hours to 2 hours by removing 44 questions
- Math answer choices reduced from 5 to 4
- Optional essay remains available
With so many changes, students must adjust their testing strategies accordingly.
How To Prepare For College Testing
To make informed decisions about standardized testing, follow these key steps:
Start in early junior year
- Take the PSAT to establish a baseline.
- Take a mock ACT (available for free from test prep providers).
Analyze the results
- Work with an admissions professional (like me!) to determine which test best highlights your strengths.
Create a testing plan
- Schedule your SAT/ACT exams before senior year, so scores are ready for applications.
- Plan targeted test prep based on your PSAT and mock ACT results.
Invest in individualized test prep
- A strong prep program addresses your specific academic gaps.
- Learn both test-taking strategies and subject-specific improvements.
Take control of your test submission strategy
- If your scores strengthen your application, send them.
- If not, apply to test-optional schools without submitting them.
By following this approach, you own the decision of whether to submit scores—rather than letting colleges decide for you.
A Better, Less Stressful System?
If I had my way, college admissions would offer just two college testing options:
- Test-Blind – Colleges do not consider test scores at all, even if submitted.
- Test-Required – Colleges require scores, but consider them as just one factor alongside GPA, coursework, and other credentials.
This clarity would eliminate confusion, reduce student stress, and cut down on excessive retesting—saving families time, money, and emotional energy.
Need Help Navigating These Changes?
If you’re unsure about which test to take, whether to submit scores, or how to prepare, I can help. Contact me at charlotte@cklaar.com or 803-487-9777. If you would like to have a complimentary 30-Minute Zoom meeting to determine if we should work together, schedule a time that works for you and your student.
