How do colleges view the SAT and ACT

I’m a rising senior and starting to get really stressed about college applications. I’ve heard so many different things about the SAT and ACT, especially with some schools going test-optional.

I guess my main questions are:

• For colleges that are still requiring the SAT/ACT, how important are the scores? Is a good score enough to make up for slightly weaker grades in a particular subject?
• For test-optional schools, what are they really looking for if I don’t submit scores? Do I need to have amazing extracurriculars or stellar essays to compensate? How much more weight do they put on those other parts of my application?
• If I have a decent, but not amazing, score (say, around the average for admitted students), is it better to submit it or not? I don’t want to hurt my chances.
• Are there any specific types of colleges (like highly selective ones, or state schools) that view the tests differently? Is the emphasis the same across the board?
• How do colleges view the new digital SAT compared to the old paper one? Do they adjust their expectations at all?
• Does it matter if I took the ACT multiple times compared to taking the SAT multiple times (or vice versa)? Do colleges see multiple test attempts as a positive or a negative thing?

Answer

Colleges view the SAT and ACT in a multifaceted way, with the weight and importance of these tests varying significantly depending on the institution’s selectivity, mission, and overall admissions philosophy. Here’s a breakdown of the different perspectives and how they influence college admissions:

1. Standardized Measure of Academic Readiness:

• Historically, A Predictor of College Performance: Traditionally, the SAT and ACT were seen as standardized measures that could predict a student’s readiness for college-level work and their potential for academic success in higher education. Colleges used these scores to compare applicants from different high schools with varying grading standards and curricula.
• A Common Yardstick: These tests provided a common yardstick for evaluating applicants, especially when colleges received applications from across the country and internationally. They helped admissions officers quickly assess a student’s grasp of fundamental skills in reading, writing, and mathematics.

2. Holistic Review & Contextual Factors:

• Beyond the Numbers: Many colleges, especially selective ones, emphasize a "holistic review" process. This means they evaluate applicants based on a wide range of factors beyond test scores and GPA, including essays, letters of recommendation, extracurricular activities, demonstrated leadership, unique talents, and personal circumstances.
• Context Matters: Holistic review acknowledges that test scores are just one piece of the puzzle and that a student’s background and opportunities play a significant role in their academic performance. Colleges consider the context in which a student achieved their scores, such as the resources available at their high school, their family’s socioeconomic status, and any challenges they may have overcome.

3. Test-Optional & Test-Blind Policies:

• Test-Optional: Many colleges have adopted test-optional policies, meaning applicants can choose whether or not to submit their SAT or ACT scores. This shift was accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which made it difficult for students to take the tests. Some colleges have extended these policies indefinitely, while others are reevaluating their stance. If a college is test-optional, submitting scores can potentially strengthen an application if the scores are strong and align with the college’s academic profile. However, submitting lower scores could potentially weaken the application.
• Test-Blind: Some colleges are test-blind, meaning they do not consider SAT or ACT scores at all in the admissions process, even if they are submitted. These institutions rely solely on other factors, such as GPA, essays, and extracurricular activities, to evaluate applicants.
• Test-Flexible: A smaller number of institutions are test-flexible. This might mean they allow students to submit other types of standardized tests in lieu of the SAT or ACT (like AP exam scores) or that they require standardized testing only for certain programs or students (like homeschooled students).

4. Factors Influencing the Importance of Tests:

• College Selectivity: Highly selective colleges often receive a large number of applications from academically strong students. In these cases, standardized test scores can be a differentiating factor, helping admissions officers narrow down the applicant pool. However, even at these institutions, holistic review is crucial, and strong scores alone are not enough for admission.
• Institutional Mission & Values: Some colleges prioritize access and affordability, and they may view standardized tests as barriers to entry for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. These institutions may place less emphasis on test scores and focus on other factors that demonstrate a student’s potential for success.
• Program-Specific Requirements: Certain academic programs, such as those in engineering or science, may place more weight on the math sections of the SAT or ACT. Similarly, programs with strong writing components may emphasize the reading and writing sections.
• Data & Research: Colleges continually analyze data on student performance and outcomes to assess the validity and reliability of standardized tests as predictors of success. Changes in test policies often reflect evolving research and a desire to create a more equitable and effective admissions process.

5. How Colleges Use Scores When They Are Submitted:

• Academic Profile: Colleges use score ranges (e.g., the middle 50% range of admitted students) to characterize the academic profile of their incoming class. Applicants can use these ranges to gauge whether their scores are competitive.
• Scholarships & Merit Aid: Standardized test scores can be a factor in determining eligibility for merit-based scholarships and financial aid. Some colleges automatically award scholarships to students who achieve certain score thresholds.
• Course Placement: Some colleges use SAT or ACT scores to determine placement in introductory courses, particularly in math and English. High scores may allow students to skip introductory courses and enroll in more advanced classes.
• Data Analysis: Colleges track the performance of students who submitted scores versus those who did not (when applicable) to assess the predictive validity of the tests and inform future admissions policies.