Do You Need to Take the SAT?

Hey guys, I'm a bit stressed about standardized tests. Is it still necessary to take the SAT for college applications? I know some schools have gone test-optional, but I'm not sure about the overall trend. Any advice is appreciated!

It's understandable that you might feel stressed about standardized tests. The SAT requirement depends on the schools you are applying to, so it's important to do your research. While it's true that a significant number of colleges and universities have shifted to test-optional policies, others have gone back to requiring all applicants to submit the SAT (or ACT) in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Each institution has its own policy about whether they require or consider SAT scores, so it's essential to look up the testing policy of each school you plan to apply to. You can find a list of colleges currently requiring the SAT or ACT on CollegeVine's blog (https://blog.collegevine.com/colleges-requiring-sat-act), although it's always a good idea to confirm on a school's own website, as these policies can change.

Keep in mind that some schools, particularly highly selective institutions, still value strong SAT scores. Submitting a high SAT score can give you a competitive edge and potentially influence scholarship opportunities, even at test-optional schools. Depending on your personal circumstances, having a strong SAT score can compensate for other elements of your application, such as a lower GPA. For more detailed guidance on how to navigate test-optional policies, and whether you personally should still submit a score, check out this blog post from CollegeVine: https://blog.collegevine.com/does-test-optional-mean-test-optional/.

In summary, whether or not you need to take the SAT depends on the schools you're interested in applying to, and whether you should take the test depends on your personal background and goals. Research each college's testing policy, and if you decide to take the SAT, make sure to prepare well to achieve the best score possible. You always want to have the option to submit your scores if you believe they will strengthen your application. Good luck!