The standardized testing landscape continues to evolve, leaving many students and parents wondering: Do I still need to take the SAT or ACT? Should I apply test-optional? Which test is better? When should I start?

In our recent Estrela webinar, Senior College Planning Consultant Jamie Kirby walked families through the latest testing trends and shared practical strategies for creating a testing plan that supports each student's individual college goals. 

Testing Is Changing—Again

While many colleges adopted test-optional policies during the pandemic, Jamie explained that the landscape is shifting once again. There has been a return to tests being required at many colleges, particularly at highly selective schools and at some state flagships. Rather than assuming all colleges are still test-optional, students should verify each institution's current policy every application season.

Understanding Test-Required, Test-Optional, and Test-Blind

Some colleges have been test-optional for years and have developed admissions practices that genuinely evaluate applicants equally with or without scores. Others adopted test-optional policies more recently, and testing may still play a significant role in admissions decisions. It's important to note that test-optional does not necessarily mean test-irrelevant at many institutions.

Should You Submit Your Test Scores?

One of the most common questions families ask is whether they should submit scores to test-optional colleges.

Students should consider:

• Whether their score falls within or above the college's middle 50%
• How their score compares with their GPA
• How their score compares with other students at their high school
• Whether submitting strengthens the overall application

This decision can vary by college, and students can decide individually for each college whether they want to submit it or not.  For example, a student whose GPA is slightly lower than expected but whose ACT or SAT score is exceptionally strong may benefit from submitting scores.  However, while high test scores can be a strength in your application, they are not going to overcome low grades or a lack of activities.

SAT or ACT: Which Test Should You Take?

Good news: colleges accept either test equally. Students should consider which testing format matches their strengths.

Some factors to evaluate include:

• Paper vs. digital testing (the ACT still offers paper at many locations, while the SAT is fully digital)
• Adaptive testing (SAT) versus traditional testing (ACT)
• Reading versus math strengths
• Test pacing and timing
• Personal comfort with each format

Build a Testing Timeline—Don't Wing It

It's important that students develop a testing plan well before senior year. We recommend students plan to test three times, as research has shown that students tend to plateau out after this number of test sittings.

Students should approach each test sitting with a different purpose:

• First test: establish a baseline
• Second test: improve the overall composite score
• Third test: focus on increasing individual section scores, particularly for colleges that superscore

Families should schedule testing around academics, athletics, and extracurricular commitments rather than trying to squeeze everything into senior fall.

Practice Matters More Than You Think

Here's a great analogy to consider when thinking of test preparation: If you're an athlete, would you just show up to a game having never practiced?

Absolutely not.

Instead of cramming the week before the exam, we recommend building consistent practice into a student's schedule. This consistent study or practice is going to be more beneficial than just a marathon study session the week before the test. Even 20–30 minutes several days each week can be far more effective than an occasional multi-hour study session.

One Size Does Not Fit All

Testing strategies should be individualized. A student applying to engineering programs may make different testing decisions than one applying to arts programs. Likewise, students with strong math scores may benefit from different reporting strategies than students whose strengths lie in reading and writing.

For students who take both exams, we generally recommends reporting the stronger test.  There are some rare exceptions—such as Georgetown University, which requires applicants to submit all SAT and ACT scores.

Final Thoughts

Although headlines about standardized testing continue to change, the message remains remarkably consistent: testing should be approached strategically, not fearfully.

Students who understand current admissions policies, prepare consistently, and create an individualized testing plan will be in the strongest position to make informed application decisions.

At Estrela, we help families interpret testing trends, build personalized timelines, and determine whether submitting scores strengthens each student's application. The goal isn't simply earning a higher score—it's using testing strategically within the broader context of a student's college admissions plan.

Key Takeaways

• Don't assume every college is still test-optional—verify each school's current policy.
• A strong test score can strengthen an application, but it won't compensate for weak grades or limited involvement.
• Submit scores strategically based on each college's policies and your overall application.
• Choose the SAT or ACT based on your strengths—not perceived prestige.
• Plan to test up to three times, with a purpose for each exam.
• Build your testing schedule around your academic and extracurricular commitments.
• Practice consistently rather than cramming.
• Discuss score-reporting decisions individually with your counselor.
• Remember that some colleges (such as Georgetown) have unique score-reporting requirements.
• Stay informed as testing policies continue to evolve.

Resources Mentioned During the Webinar

• College Board (SAT): https://www.collegeboard.org
• Bluebook Digital Testing App: https://bluebook.collegeboard.org
• Official SAT Practice by Khan Academy: https://www.khanacademy.org/digital-sat
• ACT: https://www.act.org
• ACT Test Dates & Registration: https://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/registration.html
• Compass Education Group Concordance Tables: https://www.compassprep.com/act-sat-concordance/
• Common App: https://www.commonapp.org
• FairTest (Test-Optional Database): https://fairtest.org

Whether you're just beginning to think about standardized testing or deciding whether to submit scores this fall, remember that the best testing strategy is one that's tailored to your goals, strengths, and college list. At Estrela, we're here to help you navigate every step of the process with confidence.