Do colleges require the SAT?

Hey, I'm a junior in high school, and I started thinking about college applications. I've been hearing a lot about the SAT and I'm wondering if it's mandatory for college admissions. Do all colleges require the SAT, or it depends on the institution?

The SAT requirement for college admissions varies depending on the institution. While some colleges do require the SAT or ACT, others have chosen to adopt a test-optional or test-flexible policy, and some are even test-blind.

Test-optional schools allow applicants to decide whether or not to submit their SAT or ACT scores as part of their application. These schools typically consider a variety of factors beyond test scores, such as grades, extracurriculars, essays, and letters of recommendation, in evaluating applicants. Examples of test-optional colleges include the University of Chicago and Bowdoin College.

Test-flexible schools also provide applicants with choices regarding test submissions. These colleges may accept alternative assessments like AP or IB exam scores instead of the SAT or ACT or allow students to submit scores only from specific sections of the tests. New York University is an example of a test-flexible college.

Test-blind schools do not consider standardized test scores at all in their admissions decisions. This means that regardless of whether students submit their SAT or ACT scores, the scores will not have any bearing on the admission decision. The University of California system, for example, is now test-blind.

It's important to research the specific requirements for each college you're interested in attending to determine their standardized test policy. As you plan your college application process, take note of each school's policy and make decisions on whether to take the SAT or ACT based on your target colleges' standards.