Understanding standardized testing in the test, optional landscape

In 2025, the standardized testing landscape for college admissions remains a mix of test-optional and test-required policies, with some institutions even adopting test-blind approaches. While many colleges maintain test-optional policies, allowing students to choose whether to submit scores, some prominent universities, including several Ivy League institutions, have reinstated testing requirements. This shift reflects a complex interplay of factors, including ongoing debates about equity, the perceived value of standardized tests, and institutional priorities. 

Here’s a more detailed breakdown: 

Test-Optional Policies: 

• Many colleges allow students to decide whether to submit their SAT or ACT scores, meaning their application will be considered complete regardless of whether scores are submitted. 
• This approach aims to broaden access and reduce the impact of socioeconomic disparities on admissions, as access to test preparation resources can vary significantly. 
• Some colleges, like SMU, have fully test-optional policies. 

Test-Required Policies: 

• Some institutions, including Harvard,Yale, Dartmouth, and Brown, have reversed their test-optional policies and now require standardized test scores for admissions.
• This shift is often based on the institutions’ belief that test scores are valuable for assessing academic readiness and contribute to a more inclusive admissions process.

Test-Blind Policies: 

• A smaller number of colleges, like the University of California system, have adopted test-blind policies, meaning they will not consider test scores even if submitted. 

Factors Influencing the Landscape: 

• Equity and Access:
  Concerns about equity and the potential for standardized tests to disadvantage students from under-resourced backgrounds have been a major driver of test-optional policies. 
• College Preferences:
  Colleges are evaluating the usefulness of standardized tests and considering whether they align with their institutional values and goals. 
• Holistic Review:
  Many colleges are emphasizing holistic reviews, considering a broader range of factors beyond test scores, such as academic record, extracurricular activities, essays, and recommendations. 

Key Considerations for Students: 

• Research Individual College Policies:
  It’s crucial for students to research the specific testing policies of each college they are interested in, as policies can vary significantly. 
• Decide Based on Individual Strengths:
  Students should consider their own academic strengths and weaknesses and whether submitting test scores would strengthen their application. 
• Focus on a Strong Application:
  Regardless of testing policies, students should strive to create a strong overall application by focusing on academic performance, extracurricular activities, and compelling essays. 

*The evolving landscape of standardized testing in college admissions requires careful consideration and a personalized approach for each student. Working with a counselor to determine your specific testing strategy will help take out the guest work to set you up for success and align with the schools on your college list. Schedule a free consult with one of our counselors today and improve your chances of getting into the best college for you!