As college admissions policies continue to shift, many parents feel confused about one critical question: Should my teen submit scores?
Even in a test-optional era, SAT and ACT scores are a significant factor in college admissions and play a bigger role than many families realize. And now, in 2025, we are seeing an increase in the number of students submitting test scores, as well as colleges shifting from test-optional to test-required or test-expected.
So before deciding whether your teen should prepare, take, or submit SAT/ACT scores, it’s essential to understand what these policies mean and how colleges are actually using scores in today’s admissions decisions.
A Quick Background: How We Got Here
When the pandemic shut down in-person testing in 2020, institutions rapidly adopted test-optional policies so high schoolers could still apply without SAT or ACT scores.
In recent years, many colleges have again adjusted their admissions models, citing that test scores help predict first-year college success. The College Board reports that SAT scores “add, on average, 15% more predictive power than high school GPA alone in understanding student performance in the first year of college.”
Seniors applying to college for the fall of 2026 are finding that some schools are reinstating testing requirements, some are becoming test-expected, and many are remaining test-optional but admit a higher percentage of students who submit scores over those who do not.
Different Types of College Testing Policies
Understanding the terminology can help parents understand what colleges really expect.
1. Test-Required
Definition: Students must submit SAT or ACT scores. Applications without scores are not reviewed.
Example: Many Ivy League schools, including Yale University, have reinstated testing requirements, as have the state university systems in Florida and Georgia. Here’s a current list of schools that require the SAT or ACT.
2. Test-Expected
Definition: Colleges officially allow test-optional applications but say they strongly encourage or prefer test submission.
Example: Auburn still allows test-optional applications but clearly states on its admissions website that “Students who apply without test scores will have significantly limited admissions, Honors College, and scholarship opportunities.” And beginning in Fall 2027, Auburn will become fully test-required.
And here’s an email one of our students received after submitting her application to Purdue University this fall:
3. Test-Optional
Definition: Students can choose whether to submit scores. The application will still be reviewed with or without test scores, depending on what the student elects. If they do not provide test scores, a stronger emphasis will be placed on the high school transcript. Admissions data at many test-optional schools show that submitting strong scores often improves admission odds, especially for competitive majors or students from high-performing high schools.
Example: The University of Virginia is test-optional, but in the last admissions cycle, 59% of freshmen who enrolled submitted SAT or ACT scores. According to FairTest’s website, more than 2,000 four–year institutions are currently test-optional for students applying for the fall of 2026.
4. Test-Blind
Definition: Colleges will not review test scores at all, even if submitted. However, some still use scores for scholarships or merit aid.
Example: The state university system in California is officially test-blind. Here’s a list of test-blind institutions.
Should My Teen Submit Scores? How to Make the Right Call
The answer to the question, “Should my teen submit scores?” isn’t universal, and understanding how colleges evaluate test scores is key to making the right decision.
At Educational Connections, our college consultants guide families through this decision using a strategic school-by-school approach, based on each institution’s most current admissions statistics, test score ranges, and the student’s individual score and the strength of their high school transcript.
Many families expect either their teen will submit their scores everywhere they apply or they won’t, but Minnich noted, “it doesn’t really work that way. We look at each school individually. That might mean yes for school A and no for school B.”
When Submitting Scores Helps (and When It Doesn’t) at Test-Optional Schools
Scores are most beneficial at test-optional schools when they highlight academic ability that grades alone may not show.
“If a student has lower grades day-to-day and has done well on their testing, I recommend that they submit them because it shows academic potential,” Minnich said. “If they’ve done well day-to-day and a student has also done well on testing, it’s a second positive indication that they can do well there as a student,” she added.
On the flip side, not every student who took the SAT or ACT will benefit from sharing their scores.
“Maybe a student has done well day-to-day, but is not a strong test taker. If it’s not adding something to their application, then I won’t recommend they submit test scores to that particular school,” Minnich explained.
What Colleges Look At When Evaluating Scores
When helping families decide whether to submit SAT or ACT scores at test-optional schools, we help students look at:
- The school’s middle 50% test score range
- Where the student’s scores fall within that range
- How scores compare to the student’s grades
- The competitiveness of the intended major
- The school’s testing policy (optional, expected, required, test-blind)
The Bottom Line for Parents on Testing and Submitting Scores
If you’re feeling confused about changing testing requirements, you’re not alone. But here’s what’s clear: in 2025, SAT and ACT scores are helping students open doors to admissions, honors programs, and scholarships again at many schools.
Don’t let confusion about testing policies cost your student opportunities. If you’re still asking, “Should my teen submit scores?” our college consultants will analyze every school on your student’s list and tell you exactly where scores matter, where they don’t, and where not submitting could hurt their chances.
If your student hasn’t tested yet, time matters. We recommend beginning test prep the summer after 10th grade—early enough to take the test multiple times and submit the strongest possible scores before application deadlines. And if you have an 11th grader, it’s not too late to get a clear plan in place. With focused prep now, your teen can still boost their scores in time for fall 2026 deadlines.
Schedule a free consultation with an Education Specialist today to create your family’s personalized testing and admissions strategy.