History of Standardized Tests in the United States
Since 1926, the SAT has been the go-to test for assessing college readiness. In 1959, the ACT was introduced to the standardized testing sphere for college admissions. Since then, and before 2020, colleges and universities relied on the ACT and SAT as cornerstones of college admissions. Though both tests evolved over time, each emphasized the importance of students to improve standardized test scores. Traditionally, these tests are the gateway to college admissions and further instilled how important are standardized test scores.
In 2015, Jeremy Tate, a former high school teacher, developed the CLT with the focus of restoring tradition to standardized testing with classical texts. Since then, this test has expanded and has been adopted by many schools. In 2023, a Florida law was passed to allow the test to be used for the state’s Bright Future Scholarships. The states’ universities also approved CLT as a test to assess college readiness.
The Seismic Shift in College Admissions
With the pandemic, COVID-19 rapidly accelerated the movement towards test-optional colleges, which was already gaining traction. High schools and universities transitioned from in-person to online formats. As such, many universities eased up on the requirements associated with standardized test scores and admission.
Now that the pandemic is over, many students wonder, what is test optional now, what does test-optional mean, how the landscape of standardized testing is evolving with the rise of the CLT test, and how are test-optional colleges 2026 adjusting their policies?
In this blog post, we aim to explore the current significance of test-optional policies, compare test-optional and test-blind policies, and discuss strategies for applicants.
Demystifying “Test-Optional”: Beyond the Label
“What is test optional?” – It’s a policy where applicants can choose whether to submit SAT, CLT, and ACT scores for colleges. It’s not a blanket disregard for scores. Colleges will consider scores if submitted, often as a plus for strong applicants. Students with lower scores can choose to omit scores if they believe it will negatively impact their academic portfolio.
The Crucial Distinction: “Test-Blind vs Test-Optional”
Test-Blind (Test-Free): Colleges will not consider standardized test scores at all, even if submitted, like the University of California.
Test-Optional: Scores can be submitted and will be considered, often adding value. The distinction between test-optional and test-blind is vital for applicants in their strategy, as students with low test scores may benefit from either. However, students with higher test scores may be more competitive applicants when applying to a test-optional school, since their score may strengthen their portfolios.
The Spectrum of Test-Optional Policies in College Admissions
In addition to test-blind and test-optional, there are also varying degrees of length for these policies. Some include:
- Temporary Test-Optional: Many schools initially adopted this due to the pandemic (e.g., some schools are test-optional colleges 2026 for now).
- Permanent Test-Optional: Institutions that have fully committed to this model.
- “Test-Preferred” (Implicit Policies): Some test-optional schools, especially highly selective ones, still see a large percentage of admitted students submitting strong scores, effectively making them “test-preferred.”
The Big Three Tests: ACT, SAT, and the Emergence of the CLT Test
The Venerable Duo: ACT and SAT
ACT: Has a science section, with direct curriculum relevance
SAT: More reasoning-focused, usually digital format
ACT vs SAT: Take both SAT and ACT practice tests to simulate test day. Evaluate performance based on pacing, time per question, and subject strengths.
Now, do colleges prefer at ACT SAT? It’s a common question, and most accept both equally.
Using an online ACT practice test and SAT practice test for effective score improvement, as well as initial score identification, is a great way to decide which test may be best for you. With Peterson’s, you get SAT, ACT, and CLT courses for the price of one, along with credit by exam and other test prep.
The Contender: The CLT Test
A new standardized test is gaining popularity in states like Florida! This test is the CLT test. Its focus is on classical education, quantitative reasoning, and verbal reasoning. More and more schools are adopting the Classic Learning Test—becoming CLT colleges that accept the CLT test. Notably smaller, private, and religiously-affiliated institutions, as well as Florida State schools, are adopting the test for admissions.
Once again, you can identify if you should take the CLT by diving into CLT practice test materials to see if the test amplifies your strengths as a student. Be sure to consider whether your college/university accepts this test for admission standards.
The Shifting Sands: What’s Happening Now and What’s Next?
The Reinstatement Trend: Are Tests Back?
Prominent institutions like Dartmouth, Yale, Brown, Harvard, MIT, Caltech, Georgetown, Purdue, Georgia Tech, and UT Austin have recently reinstated test requirements or announced plans to do so after being test-optional colleges 2026. Some reasons for reinstatement include predictive validity, identifying talented but disadvantaged students, concerns about grade inflation, and increasing transparency in college admissions.
Strategic Application in a Test-Flexible World
“How Important Are Standardized Test Scores?” (Revisited):
For test-required schools, standardized test scores are critical. For truly test-optional schools, a strong score can enhance an application, especially if it showcases ability not fully captured by GPA or coursework. For “test-preferred” optional schools, submitting a strong score can be a significant advantage, often placing applicants in a more competitive pool.
Do I need to submit ACT scores for test-optional colleges? It depends. Consider your scores relative to the school’s admitted student profiles (e.g., 50th or 75th percentile). If your scores are on the stronger end, submit them! If not, maybe refrain from doing so.
Navigating Score Submission Decisions:
When to Submit: If SAT, CLT, or ACT scores for colleges are at or above the median for admitted students, or if scores compensate for a slightly lower GPA, then submit your scores.
When to Withhold: If SAT, CLT, or ACT test scores are significantly below the median, or if the rest of the application is exceptionally strong and the scores would detract, then withhold your scores.
For the “sweet spot” for submission of SAT, CLT, and ACT test scores for colleges, aim for the middle 50% of test takers’ scores or higher.
The Power of Holistic Review:
The holistic review college admissions process evaluates the whole applicant beyond numbers, and its use has increased prominence in a test-optional world. Colleges with this approach aim to understand the entire applicant, looking at their background, academic potential, and potential future contributions to the college community.
Some components of holistic review include rigor of coursework, GPA, essays, recommendations, extracurricular activities, leadership, unique talents, demonstrated interest, and personal context. With any university, including those with a holistic approach, it’s essential to express your unique, compelling narrative across all application components.
Practical Advice for Today’s Applicant
- Research is Paramount: Check each college you plan to apply to for specific college admissions testing policy (current and future cycles), especially for test-optional colleges 2026. Policies can change rapidly.
- Prepare, Don’t Presume: Prepare for the ACT, SAT, and/or CLT test even if applying to test-optional colleges. Having high scores provides options. Utilize ACT practice test, SAT practice test, and CLT practice test resources.
- Optimize Your Scores: Strategize to improve standardized test scores, including dedicated study, tutoring, and taking the CLT, SAT, and ACT test test multiple times if beneficial.
- Focus on the Full Application: While scores might be optional, a strong academic record, compelling essays, impactful extracurriculars, and glowing recommendations will also be to your advantage.
- Seek Guidance: Consult with high school counselors, independent educational consultants, and college admissions advisors. Refer to our Teens’ Guide for College and Career Planning, included for free with your subscription, to make sure you are on track for transitioning out of high school.
Be Empowered in a Dynamic College Admissions Landscape
Standardized tests and their role in academia are ever-evolving. Tests come and go, shift and shape. We acknowledge the new normal that the era of one-size-fits-all standardized testing in college admissions is over. Applicants must be agile and informed. So, talented student, embrace the comprehensive nature of modern college admissions, strategically leverage your unique strengths, use wisdom when submitting scores, and tell your unique story! Remember to prep for your standardized tests and understand that your potential is measured by far more than just standardized test scores. You will be an asset to any educational institution!
Source: www.petersons.com