Test Optional Archives

What Is a Test-Optional School?

September 7, 2025September 7, 2025 by Leah Williams

Empty college lecture hall, representing SAT and ACT test-optional policies in college admissions

If you’ve been hearing the term ‘test-optional’ a lot, you’re not alone. Many colleges now give applicants the choice of whether or not to submit SAT or ACT scores. But what does that actually mean for your application and should you still take the test? 1. What Test-Optional Really Means A test-optional school does not … Read more

How Colleges Use Test Scores in Admissions (and Scholarships)

September 7, 2025September 7, 2025 by Leah Williams

Red brick university building with clock tower, symbolizing SAT, ACT, scholarships, and test-optional college admissions

Test scores like the SAT and ACT used to be a huge part of the college admissions process. These days, they still matter at most schools but in more flexible and nuanced ways. Here’s how colleges really use them, and how you can make your scores work for you. 1. One Part of a Bigger … Read more