After several years of widespread test-optional policies, many colleges are returning to test-required admissions—and others are signaling that test scores still carry significant weight even when optional.

🎙️Listen to these conversations on What Do Truly Test-Optional Colleges Focus On and Test Scores: The College Admissions Edge on the Tests and the Rest podcast.

Below is what you need to know—and how to plan wisely.

While the pandemic has long since passed, COVID-affected college admissions testing policies have slowly evolved. During the pandemic, most U.S. colleges and universities moved to test-optional policies because students could not easily access testing. After reviewing several years of admissions and academic performance data, many institutions are reinstating test requirements.

• Seven of the eight Ivy League schools have already returned—or will soon return—to test-required policies.
• Schools such as Johns Hopkins, Ohio State, and the University of Miami are requiring scores now for upcoming admissions cycles.
• Other major universities, including Duke, Northwestern, and NYU, are currently test-optional but have only short-term policies in place, signaling possible future changes.

Colleges report several reasons for this shift:

• Test scores help identify students likely to succeed academically.
• A clear testing requirement can reduce confusion and stress for applicants.
• Data from many universities show stronger academic performance among students who submitted test scores.

Even “Test-Optional” Often Means “Test-Preferred”

Many families assume test-optional means scores do not matter—but that is not always the case.

• Some colleges have found that students who submit scores are admitted at higher rates.
• At certain universities, test submitters made up a much larger share of admitted and enrolled students than of the overall applicant pool.
• Some schools offer greater admission or scholarship opportunities with test scores.

In short, at many colleges, strong scores can still provide a meaningful admissions advantage.

Why Research Matters More Than Ever

Every college now has its own policy:

• Test-required (scores mandatory)
• Test-optional (scores allowed but not required)
• Test-flexible (other exams may substitute)
• Test-blind (scores will not be accepted)

Policies can also vary:

• By major or college within a university
• By GPA thresholds
• By scholarship eligibility
• By application year

Because of this, families should avoid assuming that a single policy applies across all programs.

How Test Scores Impact Scholarships

At many universities, especially public flagships and regional institutions:

• Merit scholarships are often tied directly to ACT or SAT scores.
• Some schools require scores to be considered for certain scholarship tiers.
• Others may offer higher award levels to students with stronger scores.

That means even at test-optional colleges, submitting a strong score can significantly increase financial aid opportunities.

What Juniors Should Do Now

1) Take a baseline practice test
Determine whether the ACT or SAT is a better fit.

2) Build a testing plan for junior year
Most students benefit from testing at least once in the spring and again in the fall of senior year if needed.

3) Research colleges early
Look up each school’s:

• Testing policy
• Middle 50% score ranges
• Scholarship criteria

4) Keep options open
A strong score gives students more flexibility—especially as policies continue to change.

The Bottom Line

Test-optional admissions are no longer the universal trend. Many colleges have returned to test-required policies, and even at test-optional schools, scores often play a significant role in admissions and scholarships.

Students who prepare early and earn strong scores will have more choices, more leverage, and potentially more financial aid.

Need Help Building a Testing Plan?

At Seeley Test Pros/LEAP, we help juniors:

• Compare ACT vs. SAT scores to determine your best test
• Take diagnostic practice tests to determine areas for improvement
• Create personalized testing timelines
• Maximize scores for admissions and scholarships

Schedule a free Diagnostic test or free ACT/SAT Planning Session today to build a smart strategy for junior year.

🙋 Questions? We are here to help!

📞 Cleveland: 216-965-5162
📞 Cincinnati: 513-754-2240

📧 Email us at info@leaprogram.com