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.
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.
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.
One of the most common questions families ask is whether they should submit scores to test-optional colleges.
Students should consider:
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.
Good news: colleges accept either test equally. Students should consider which testing format matches their strengths.
Some factors to evaluate include:
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:
Families should schedule testing around academics, athletics, and extracurricular commitments rather than trying to squeeze everything into senior fall.
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.
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.
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.
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.