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College Entrance Testing

Five students sitting at a desk taking a test with pencils

The SAT and ACT are academic measurement tools used by some institutions in the college admission process. Both exams are designed to measure college readiness within the academic areas of mathematics, English reading, English writing, and vocabulary. Both measurements are accepted by universities and colleges. It's important to learn about the assessments to consider which one might be the best-fit for you. Some institutions will take your "super score," which is your highest score from each section from different test dates. This may lead to a student choosing to take the same assessment more than once, in hopes of getting a higher overall score. It's also important to research the colleges you are considering, learning how the scores may be used in the admission process, and what your options are when sharing scores with institutions. Additionally, be sure to research merit-based scholarship requirements that may also require a test score.

College Admission Standardized Testing Framework

Test-blind college admissions will not consider an applicant's test scores even if they are submitted. Admission decisions are made solely on the basis of GPA, letters of recommendation, extracurricular activities, research projects, supplemental essays, etc.

Test-optional allows students to decide whether or not they want to submit test scores with their application. Most test-optional schools will consider SAT and ACT scores if they are submitted, but focus on other factors that can be a stronger predictor of a student’s potential.

Test-flexible colleges or universities allow students to choose which type of test(s) – SAT and/or ACT – they want to submit with their application. Other options include an International Baccalaureate exam or an Advanced Placement test.

The COVID-19 pandemic introduced college admission changes to the testing options for the admission into many colleges, several of which have chosen to continue with these options currently. Each institution decides what requirements and options exist around standardized testing and admission into their institution. Testing policies around optional, blind, or flexible reporting differ from college to college (e.g., eligible GPA).

Note: Student SAT/ACT test data does not represent admission outcomes related to test scores. These students may have applied test optional or test blind.

Always consult each college’s website for the most up-to-date and accurate admissions policies.

Resources

Exam Guides

College Board PSAT Webpage

  • Learn the reasons to take the PSAT/NMSQT
  • How students receive their test scores
  • What to do after taking the PSAT