Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic started in 2020, many colleges declared themselves “test-optional” or “test-blind” for applicants, meaning they either do not require or accept SAT or ACT standardized test scores. The pandemic forced many schools to make this change because it was close to impossible to find a local testing center to take the exam at. Some students had to resort to traveling to other states just to take the three hour long test.
Now, for the Class of 2024, finding availability to take the test is much easier, but the majority of colleges remain test-optional and take more holistic approaches when looking at students’ applications. Also, more information and even debates have come up about the fairness of the SAT and ACT and how important test scores really are in contrast to other parts of the application.
One major argument is the financial aspect of taking these tests. The cost of taking just one test can add up to almost $200, a price that is unrealistic for many families. For those who opt to take it, they will likely take it more than once, paying a steep price every time. Cancellation fees are $25 or even $35 if it is a late cancellation, requiring students to pay, even if they decide to not do it.
Another factor to take into consideration is the availability and expense of SAT and ACT tutors. They can cost thousands of dollars, an amount that is unfeasible for many families to pay, especially for a test that many colleges do not require. However, many students who do have tutors score better on the exams than students who do not have one, making it more challenging for students who cannot afford them.
After colleges went test-optional, the average test scores of a college’s admitted students dramatically increased. When looking at these averages, it is important to keep in mind that most students will not submit a bad score because it is no longer necessary. So, the scores that are being submitted are usually in the top 90%. This makes taking these tests seem even more pointless to students who do not think they will get such a high score since submitting them would be useless when compared to the other high scores being sent in.
Lastly, the SAT and ACT is unfair to those who are not good test takers. They do test students on material that they learned throughout high school, but many students have strengths in other areas. For the students who typically do not score well on tests, no amount of prep or studying can help them, while the stronger ones excel with little prep, giving them an advantage.
Many also ask if submitting scores help the application process. The simple answer is no. Colleges have declared that submitting a score will not make one more or less likely to be accepted than those who do not submit. If one
chooses not to submit a test score, colleges will not assume that it is because they scored poorly and instead will evaluate the rest of their application the same.
Overall, it is not worth it to take the SAT or ACT due to the high cost of taking the test, unfairness due to the availability of tutors and other aids and also simply because many colleges are now test-optional, making the tests unnecessary for many.
