SATs are Back in Town

For the 2025-2026 application cycle, many colleges have reverted to requiring scores after three years of pandemic-induced test-optional policies. This has prompted mixed reactions among students.

Masterman students expressed little surprise, with some agreeing with the shift. Owen Erdman (‘25) said, “It makes sense considering that most colleges have a holistic process, so making the SAT a requirement is valid.” This rationale is why many colleges, such as Penn, are reverting to requiring testing. For example, Penn Admissions argues that “testing complements a student’s existing accomplishments and can offer additional relevant information in our comprehensive and holistic admission process.” 

Mehaad Bahar (‘25) was overjoyed by this change, remarking, “This change is good. You can't cheat on the SATs; it has to be your own knowledge. It’s the first opportunity to show your intelligence.” Especially in an era of grade inflation, Mehaad’s point has been corroborated (“From 1998 to 2016, average high school G.P.A.s rose from 3.27 to 3.38, but average SAT scores fell from 1026 to 1002. ACT scores among the class of 2023 were the worst in over three decades,” noted a 2023 New York Times article).

A large majority see both sides. Ella Felderman (‘26) said, “SATs are important and are somewhat accurate [because they] support your academic abilities more than grades [but] this change is also stressful because I have to study more.” Ray Eggerts (‘25) added, “SATs are a good indicator…but [they] shouldn’t be seen as important as they are now.” Taylor Reuter (‘26), offered, “Woke colleges shouldn’t require them, but STEM schools should.” 

The idea that SATs are a good indicator of academic success and readiness isn’t new. According to the New York Times, “...standardized test scores contain real information, helping to predict college grades, chances of graduation and post-college success.” More importantly, these tests can help those from disadvantaged communities stand out—Joanna Wei (‘26) acknowledged systemic inequalities. “SATs benefit [the] wealthy more,” she noted, but added that “there are so many resources for SATs, and it’s more fair because people can study using online resources.” 

Seniors recalled various levels of stress. Owen recounted, “I took the test three times. I procrastinated studying and would be stressed…but when the game is on the line, I'm at my prime.” On the other hand, some were not stressed at all. Ray recalled, “I enjoyed it. I'm a good test taker, so I wasn't stressed out.”

Previous test takers offered advice. Ray, Owen, and Mehaad urged familiarity with Desmos, equating it to a cheat code. Ana Sorrentino (‘25) suggested, “For reading, do the grammar [section] first, then come back to the longer reading [section].” Tova Albert (‘26) shared that the test is “less about learning [but] more on strategy. On math module 2, believe in yourself to solve hard problems and move through easy ones quickly.”

As for what to do moving forward, Masterman counselor Mr. Allen advised, “If you want to take the tests or if a school requires them—yes, take the test. But if you don't want to take any tests, don’t take any tests.” He added, “Widen the scope. Many schools still don’t require testing.”