The SAT/ACT aren't needed to get into your dream college

Now that's something that if said just 5 years ago would be considered insane. Yet, more than 2,000 colleges and universities no longer require these standardized tests as a requirement for admission. From Ivy leagues to public universities, almost all institutions have dropped the SAT, ACT, and other tests. However, the pressure given to high schoolers is still no less. Students and schools spend hundreds of dollars on test prep and restless nights, being told by counselors, parents, and their friends, "you need a good score to get in anywhere good." So is the test actually optional for these colleges, and if not, then why remove the standard at all?

First, let's clear up what it means when schools are "test optional." It means you can submit an application to a college and either show or not show your score. So if you submit a score alongside your application, colleges will take that into consideration, but if not, they will just look at your application as is. This is different than "test blind" schools, which people think means colleges are indifferent to test scores.

Here is what test-optional does not mean:

• That test scores no longer matter at all

• That you should skip the SAT without thinking about it

• That colleges are lowering their standards

Here is what test-optional does mean:

• You have a choice

• Other parts of your application matter more than they used to

• You need a strategy, not a reflex

But if the SAT is still optional, why is there the same if not even more tension surrounding them?

Scholarships still use scores
Many merit-based scholarships from organizations and even colleges still heavily weigh these tests when giving you scholarships. Even if a school's admission is test optional, the scholarship committee might require test scores.

Going "above and beyond"
Sometimes these test scores are the tiebreaker for admission offices. Between two near-identical applicants, the one with the higher test score will most likely get picked. That score "can only help."

Old habits die hard
Most counselors, teachers, and parents grew up when the test was mandatory to even be considered for most colleges. Their culture held the SAT to a higher standard than it is now. They can't quite wrap their heads around the fact that policies have changed.

This is a very nuanced topic, so think about it deeply whether taking the test is worth the hassle. However, I have made a base framework that seems to make the most sense for people who are casually applying and those Ivy League shooters.

You should be aiming for high grades if:

• Your GPA is below average (a high test score can balance out a weak GPA, showing you're still smart)

• You are looking into specific majors or scholarships that require your scores (do your homework)

• Your test scores are at least above the average of the school you're applying to based on admission records

You should not if:

• Your test score is on the lower side of the school's average for admissions (this could actually hurt your chances by giving them semi-relevant information)

• You already have other responsibilities like leading clubs and a strong GPA (focus on those things instead of spending even more energy on these tests)

• You're applying to a test-blind school like a UC (don't waste your time and money sending them your test scores)

So instead of focusing all your time on these tests, focus on the rest of your high school application.

GPA: This is now the most impactful part of your resume. Colleges want to see that you challenge yourself and that you are able to maintain steady grades. Take AP classes or dual enrollment.

Your essays: This is the next big differentiator when tests are no longer mandatory. The essay describes you, how you think, and how you've contributed to your community. So make sure you do things that truly make you stand out from the rest. Generic "volunteering" or "winning the big game" will no longer be enough.

Commitment: Build something great. Colleges value quality over quantity. They would rather see someone who made one semi-successful startup than someone in 20 clubs who did nothing truly impactful.

Letters of recommendation: Curate connections with your teachers so when the time comes for letters of recommendation, they can give true and genuine insight into you rather than generic nice statements.

The SAT is optional but not irrelevant.

It helps bring other people into the conversation who maybe didn't have the time to study for a single test—people with excellent contributions and transcripts but not enough time to study for these tests. It also makes sure that those who "go the extra mile" and excel at the test can have that edge when applying. The mistake is in assuming that the old system is still in place, or that tests are completely irrelevant. Your job is to be smart about whether the ROI is worth it. The question is not "Did you take the SAT?" The question is "Did you build a compelling application with or without it?"