In the last few years, college admissions have seen a major shift. It is now optional for schools to make test scores mandatory. This change makes it easier for students to choose whether or not to report their SAT or ACT scores. Because of this, colleges no longer evaluate students’ academic ability the same way. While this policy gives students more choices, it also creates serious concerns. How do colleges evaluate applicants without test scores? What factors become emphasized in admissions?
As of June 2025, most universities still do not require test scores. They focus more on academic records, extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation. In case of applying without test scores, it should be understood how admissions officers view this type of application. This will be useful in building a good profile.
This guide outlines how the test-optional college application process operates, alternative methods colleges consider applicants, and advice to assist students in succeeding in this new environment.
Holistic Admissions Approach
Not every student sends in SAT or ACT scores anymore. And when that happens, colleges take time to understand the student in other ways. It’s not just about marks they want to know the whole story.
Grades and Class Choices
They’ll go through your report cards. Not just to check if you scored high but also what kind of subjects you picked. Did you challenge yourself? Were your marks steady? Even small improvements count.
Things You Did Outside Class
Maybe you joined a music group. Maybe you took care of siblings after school. Or maybe you’ve been part of a club for years. Colleges don’t expect a perfect resume. They just want to see: what mattered to you? And did you stick with it?
Your Essay That One Part That’s All Yours
This is where they actually hear your voice. You can tell them what shaped you, what you’ve learned, or where you’re headed. You don’t need fancy words, just truth. That’s what works.
Letters from People Who Know You
Whether it’s a teacher or counselor, their words can show things your grades can’t. How you work, how you treat others, or how you bounce back when things get tough.
A Quick Interview, Maybe
Some colleges offer short chats. These are more about connection than testing. They want to see how you think, how you talk and if the college feels right for you, too.
Alternative Assessments
Not every college sticks with the SAT or ACT anymore. Some now look at other kinds of assessments when reviewing applications.
Classic Learning Test (CLT)
The CLT came around in 2015. It’s a test that checks your reading, writing, grammar, and math but with a bit of a twist. Instead of modern passages, it uses classic books and historical texts.
Right now, more than 250 colleges and universities either accept CLT scores for admissions or use them to place students in the right courses.
Institutional Priorities and Context
Sure, grades are important , no doubt about that. But they’re not everything. A lot of colleges also care about who you are, where you come from, and what you’ve tried to do along the way.
Students Come from All Kinds of Places
Not everyone starts the same. Some students grow up in cities with every resource nearby, and others don’t. Maybe your school didn’t have all the programs or funding. Maybe you couldn’t afford extra coaching. Colleges know this. And they try to look at your application with that in mind. That’s one reason they value students from different backgrounds: it adds more voices to the campus.
Interest in What You’re Applying For
If you’re choosing a course in tech, design, science, or anything really it helps to show some kind of interest. Not necessarily big achievements. A project, a class you loved, even something small you explored online. It tells them you care, and that matters more than people realize.
How Well You Match with the College
Each college is different. Some focus on research, others on creativity or leadership. They also want students who’ll fit into their space not just by marks, but in mindset. They’re looking for people who’ll do well and feel like they belong.
Staying Informed
College admissions policies can change over time, so students should keep track of the latest updates for each college they apply to.
- College Websites
Admissions pages often include recent changes to test score policies and application materials. Since not all colleges update at the same pace, it’s better to check them more than once. - Common Data Set (CDS)
This is a document shared by many colleges that shows what matters in their review process including academic records, test scores, and other components. - Contacting Admissions
If something is not clear, students can email or call the admissions office. This can help them avoid confusion and stay on track.
A lot of students we work with tell us they weren’t even aware of the Common Data Set until we pointed it out. We walk them through it and explain how it can be helpful while planning their applications.
Notable Colleges with Test-Optional Policies
Many colleges let students decide if they want to send SAT or ACT scores. This policy started to give students a fairer chance by looking at more than just test results. Schools now care more about the full picture, like grades, class choices, and after-school activities.
Some schools don’t look at test scores at all. The University of California is one of them. Others, like the University of North Carolina, still need test scores if a student’s GPA is between 2.5 and 2.8. Students with a higher GPA can choose to send scores or not.
Sarah Lawrence College has supported test-optional policies for years. In 2024, they accepted about half of the students who applied. The average GPA was 3.75. Those who sent test scores had strong results, SAT scores of 1360 or ACT scores of 31.
But some colleges changed direction. MIT brought back its SAT rule in 2022. In 2024, more colleges did the same. So, test-optional isn’t everywhere. Students should always check the latest policy for each school.
The Debate Over Test-Optional Policies
Colleges started using test-optional rules to make things more fair. But recent studies say these changes didn’t really help increase diversity much.
Some people think this is because not every student gets the same chances. For example, some can take harder classes or do more outside school. Others can’t. And that still affects who gets in.
As people talk more about this, maybe colleges will try to change the rules again — to find something that feels more fair for everyone.
How The Princeton Review Can Help in a Test-Optional Landscape
The Princeton Review gives tools and support that help students in many ways. Whether you submit test scores or not, these can make your application stronger.
1. SAT/ACT Help from Experts
Even in test-optional colleges, a good test score can give you an edge. Here’s how The Princeton Review helps:
- Courses you can attend live or take online at your own pace
- Practice tests that help you see what you’re good at and what to work on
- Study plans that focus on the areas where you need the most help
2. Tutoring to Raise Your GPA
When tests are optional, your grades matter more. The Princeton Review offers:
- One-on-one help in subjects like Math, Science, and English
- Homework support in more than 80 subjects this helps a lot with school confidence
3. Help for the Complete Application
Colleges also want to see other strong parts, not just scores. Here is how we can help you:
- Doing well in tough courses
- Taking part in clubs or projects outside of class
- Writing better essays that share your story clearly
Choosing to send your scores is up to you. But either way, using help like The Princeton Review gives you a better chance to show your strengths. And that’s what colleges really want to see.
Conclusion
These days, several colleges don’t ask for SAT or ACT scores anymore. You can still send them if you want, but it’s not required at many places.
Because of that, colleges look more at other things. Like your grades in school, what activities you’ve done, and the essay you wrote. All of that matters more now than it used to be.
If you’re applying, try to focus on what you do well. Maybe your marks are good, or you joined clubs, or your essay shows your story. Even without a test score, these things help a lot.
But still check the rules. Some colleges want scores for certain programs or scholarships. If your score is strong, it can help. If not, it’s okay to leave it out.
In the end, test-optional means you have more choice. Use that chance to show who you are beyond a number.