Testing, testing: What to know about the role of the SAT & ACT in 2025 & beyond

 With spring exams upon us, many students & parents wonder – how important is testing really in the college admissions process? While the pendulum swung to a fully test optional landscape just a few years ago, a slow swing back to testing has been underway, especially at the most intensely selective colleges.

Here’s what to know to make your own best decisions about testing as you go forward –

Where have we been, where are we headed?

For those who are keeping track, the landscape at the most selective colleges has swung back in favor of requiring test scores as one component of a complete application. Among the group of 12 colleges known as the “Ivy Plus” Schools which include the eight Ivies plus Stanford, Duke, MIT, and University of Chicago, only four have retained test optional policies as of early 2025. Those are Princeton, Columbia, Duke and University of Chicago. While these schools get much of the attention, the reality is there are over 2100 colleges in the US that continue to hold test optional or test blind policies. That said, testing policies may continue to change as more colleges make announcements in the spring months ahead of the next application cycle. Colleges are facing increasing political pressures, scrutiny, and fear of funding reductions or legal repercussions in a changing political landscape that may influence their decision making. This pressure may result in more colleges returning to testing required policies. Students are wise to plan ahead to have test scores, and then make decisions on a college by college basis how to best utilize those scores in your admissions process. Though it is critical to check a college’s website for the latest information, to help families keep up with the changes in testing policies, TBU maintains a resource of test required colleges which you can visit here.

What does this really mean for students?

For one, we encourage students and families to recognize that while some policies are changing, the practices of admissions offices are not shifting dramatically. In truth, requiring scores may be a more transparent approach, as scores have continued to be an important admissions factor at the most selective universities, even while test optional policies were in place. It has continued to be the case that students with scores that look like typical admitted applicants have a stronger likelihood of admission, and we don’t expect this to change. This is especially true when applying for STEM and business majors at schools that may more heavily weigh this quantitative data. However, testing has always been only one component in a constellation of admissions considerations.

Can I still have a test optional college process?

In short, yes. While it continues to be advantageous for most students to prepare for and take either the SAT or ACT exam a couple of times in preparation for the admissions process, it isn’t all or nothing. Becoming familiar with the exam, practicing a bit, on your own or with support, and registering to take the exam one to two times, may be enough for many students, without expending hundreds of hours or thousands of dollars cramming.

There are many excellent colleges that have had a historical commitment to evaluating students holistically without test scores – these institutions have had test optional admissions prior to 2020, and in some cases have held these policies for decades. For any student who feels testing is not the best representation of their strengths, we would encourage them to build a college list that includes these historically test optional schools.

Despite whatever external pressures may exist, and the swirl of media attention that gives the impression that practically ‘every’ college requires testing now, the reality is always much more nuanced. Research the policies that exist now at the colleges you are interested in, and pay close attention for updates as policies may continue to change through the spring. This information can empower you to make your own best decisions.

TBU Advisors are experienced in supporting students to navigate their college choices and personal best fit. Our passion is helping you make a plan that takes the overwhelm out of the process, empowers you to become your own best you, and puts your best self forward in your admissions process & applications.

If you’d like to explore working with a TBU Advisor, get in touch here and we will look forward to connecting with you.

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