You might be on the verge of submitted some college applications and wondering: Do colleges really care about test scores? I have a 1340 from when I took the test at school that one time, but should I submit it? Should I get a last minute score before I apply?
Besides, what are test scores even for anymore?
Here’s a complete list of how colleges can and often do still use SAT and ACT test scores in a variety of ways:Â
- Admission Requirements
Many universities, or specific competitive programs within certain universities, have returned to requiring test scores. Read about which ones here!
- Optional Information to Prove Student Excellence
For schools with test optional policies, you can choose to submit a score if it’s above average and you feel it adds strength and variety to your application. Perhaps it can help compensate for grades in certain subjects or demonstrates you are a well-rounded applicant.
- Unofficial School Ranking
Often the information that a test score provides to a university is how you compare to the test scores students from your high school have historically received and thus estimate your ranking within your class. In this instance, the actual score you get is less important than how it compares to the average score at your high school.
- Merit Aid Qualification
Test scores can strengthen your application in order to increase your chances of receiving merit aid at some schools, and scores are often required to apply for prestigious college scholarships and private scholarships.
- Course Placement
Even test blind schools can still use standardized test scores to determine which level of writing and math you should start at as a freshman. The University of California system is a great example of this.
- International Student Language Requirement
For many schools the SAT and ACT English scores are one of several options for meeting the English Language requirement for international student applications.
- Proof of Academic Rigor for Private Homeschool Students
Lots of test optional schools, particularly private institutions, will strongly recommend that private homeschool students (who do not have any college credits) to submit test scores in order to prove their abilities against a national standard.
And remember that every school is different, so look up the testing policy of the universities on your list!
