As your child navigates the college admissions process, it's important to understand a trend that’s often misunderstood: test-optional admissions. While some colleges allow students to apply without SAT or ACT scores, new data and updated institutional decisions show that submitting test scores can still offer significant advantages.
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Here’s what you need to know to make the best decision about your student's scores:
🎓 1. Standardized Tests Predict College Success
Recent research confirms that standardized tests are strong indicators of future academic performance:
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🔍 SAT and ACT scores are nearly 4x more predictive of college success than high school GPA alone.
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📊 Students with higher SAT or ACT scores are more likely to earn higher college GPAs.
🎙️Listen to this expert discussion: The Predictive Validity of Test Scores
🎯 2. Test-Optional ≠ Test-Irrelevant
Even at test-optional schools, scores still matter:
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✅ 61% of admitted students at Boston College and 66% at Penn submitted test scores.
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🧩 Strong scores can help offset other average parts of an application—think of them as one more way to stand out.
🎙️Listen to this expert discussion: State of Test-Optional Admissions
💰 3. Test Scores Often Unlock Scholarships
Testing can pay off—literally:
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💸 Many colleges use test scores to award merit-based scholarships.
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🚫 No scores? You may miss out on financial aid opportunities you otherwise would’ve qualified for.
🎙️Listen to this expert discussion: The Role of Test Scores in Merit Aid
🏛️ 4. The Ohio State University is NOT Test-Optional
The Ohio State University recently announced it will require SAT or ACT scores for students applying to the Columbus campus starting with the Class of 2026 (OSU announcement). Therefore, if OSU is on your list, it is imperative that you strive for an ACT score that is 29 or above and an SAT score of 1340 or above.
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📚 OSU’s policy highlights the value of scores in making admissions more consistent, equitable, and predictive of student success.
🎙️Listen to this expert discussion: Attending A Large Public University
💡 Final Takeaway
While test-optional policies may seem convenient, they don’t always work in a student’s favor. Test scores can:
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🎯 Strengthen your child’s application
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💲Increase access to scholarships
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🚀 Demonstrate college readiness and commitment
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Eliminate taking placement exams
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😩 Avoid remedial course placement with no college credit
While test-optional policies provide flexibility, submitting standardized test scores can strengthen your child's college application, enhance scholarship opportunities, and demonstrate academic preparedness. Encouraging your student to prepare for and take the SAT or ACT can open doors to a wider range of opportunities. Encouraging your student to prep and test could make all the difference.