Why Students Should Take the ACT or SAT—Even If Colleges Are Test-Optional

In recent years, many colleges and universities have adopted test-optional admissions policies, leading some students and families to wonder whether taking the ACT or SAT is still worthwhile. While standardized test scores may not be required for admission at every institution, there are several important reasons why students should consider taking at least one of these exams, possibly multiple times. But before we dig into those reasons, let’s cover some information you may not know, but should!

• All public-school students in the state of IL will be required to take the ACT to graduate.
• The ACT is administered to all students in the spring of their junior year, during the school day. If your child is enrolled in a private school the test may, or may not be required, but it will not be administered during the school day. Your child will have to schedule to take the test one of the 7 times it is offered throughout the school year.
• The ACT is now offered digitally and paper based. It will be delivered digitally during the in-school test, but students have the choice of whether to take it digitally or paper based, when they register on their own.
• Research shows that students do better on the paper-based test, and we highly recommend they choose paper-based outside of the school setting.
• The SAT is only offered digitally, with no options for paper-based, and your child will have to register on their own for one of the 8 national tests offered during each school year.
• We recommend Illinois students focus on the ACT Test since state curriculum is aligned to the ACT due to the graduation requirement and students will take it in school once.

Expanded College Opportunities: Although many schools have moved to test-optional admissions, thousands of colleges still consider ACT or SAT scores as part of the application process. Some institutions may require scores for specific academic programs, honors colleges, or scholarship consideration. Having a strong test score gives students more flexibility and keeps additional college options open.

Scholarship Eligibility: One of the most significant benefits of taking the ACT or SAT is access to scholarship opportunities. Many colleges, private organizations, and state-funded programs use standardized test scores when awarding merit-based scholarships. Even at test-optional schools, students with strong scores may qualify for additional financial aid that would not otherwise be available.

Strengthening a College Application: A solid ACT or SAT score can help students stand out in a competitive applicant pool. Test scores provide colleges with a standardized measure of academic readiness and can reinforce strengths shown through grades, coursework, and extracurricular activities. For students whose GPA may not fully reflect their abilities, a strong test score can provide valuable additional evidence of college preparedness.

Demonstrating Academic Readiness: Standardized tests assess skills in reading, writing, and mathematics that are important for success in college-level coursework. Preparing for and taking the ACT or SAT allows students to evaluate their strengths and identify areas where additional improvement may be beneficial before beginning college. Getting into college is one step, staying in college is another!

Meeting Requirements Beyond Admissions: Some colleges use ACT or SAT scores for purposes beyond admissions. Scores may be considered for course placement, honors program admission, or specialized academic opportunities. Having scores available can simplify these processes and potentially help students avoid remedial coursework that does not count toward their degree.

Keeping Options Open: A student’s college plans can change over time. A school that is test-optional today may not be tomorrow, and students may discover new colleges or scholarship opportunities during their senior year. Taking the ACT or SAT early ensures students have scores available if they decide they need them later.

While test-optional admissions policies have changed the college application landscape, the ACT and SAT continue to provide valuable opportunities for students. Strong scores can enhance college applications, unlock scholarship opportunities, demonstrate academic readiness, and keep future options open.

Students who want to maximize their college and scholarship opportunities can benefit from expert test preparation and college planning guidance, as early as their sophomore year!

Sylvan Learning and Class 101 of O’Fallon help students build confidence, improve test performance, and navigate the college admissions process with personalized support. We also offer a FREE ACT Practice test to every O’Fallon student! Contact us today to learn how we can help your student prepare for success in their college journey.