Admission Testing
UCs & CSUs ARE TEST BLIND
The University of California and CSUs will not take SAT or ACT scores into account for admission or scholarship consideration.
National SAT Dates
Please go to the CollegeBoard site for Spring and Summer 2024 dates
National ACT Dates
Please go to the ACT site for Spring and Summer 2024 dates
What is the difference between the SAT and ACT?
Check out this article explaining the differences between the SAT and ACT.
Stay informed by continuing to view new testing dates on CollegeBoard.org and ACT.org. Both websites are making updates daily.
Two pieces of advice as entrance exams change and reschedule: 1) Register early for future test dates before seats fill up, and 2) Juniors should keep working on their skills throughout the Spring so they can be prepared when there is an opportunity to test.
Colleges are rightfully being flexible with their testing requirements. Check college websites to get the most accurate information on their policies and deadlines.
Test Optional
Prior to 2020, taking the ACT or SAT was something college-bound students generally considered obligatory, knowing that most four-year colleges and universities would require a standardized test score. Even as the number of test optional schools slowly climbed over time, the safer route had traditionally been to preserve one’s unconditional eligibility by securing official scores. The pandemic upended testing policy across the college admission landscape and accelerated the loosening of testing requirements, at least temporarily. Over 95% of selective four-year colleges and universities currently let students decide whether to have scores considered or not.
Hundreds of colleges have been successfully admitting qualified students to their colleges for years—sometimes decades—without test scores. For test-optional universities, a score can be considered added value to your application. Their readers review the information you provide in your application holistically. Without test scores, your grades, course rigor, recommendations (if accepted), extracurricular activities, essays, and AP scores will be the primary factors used to review your application.
Always check college websites to get the most accurate information on their SAT/ACT requirement policies and deadlines.
Should I report my scores if a college I'm applying to is test-optional?
We encourage you to look at your prospective colleges' websites for testing updates. Deciding whether or not to apply test optional to one, some, or all of your colleges is an individual decision. We will give you our best advice based on your college list and your test scores so that you can make an informed decision this fall. Our general advice:
If you think your scores are an accurate representation of your ability, then you should feel free to submit them. If you feel they are not, then don’t submit them.
If you get the score you hoped for, and especially if it’s above average for your prospective college, submitting the score may help you in the admission process.
Keep in mind that a university considers your test score in context. Even if your score is not above average for your prospective college, but it is for Monte Vista, your score may help you in the admission process.
A high SAT or ACT score can offset a low GPA. If you don’t submit a score, the university will have less information about your academic performance. If you have a low GPA but do well on the SAT or ACT, your test score can be an important indicator of your potential to succeed in college-level classes.
What is Test-Blind?
Test-blind schools offer a contrast to test-optional ones as they will not accept students’ standardized test scores at all. If you submit your score, it won’t be considered, even if you scored 1600 on the SAT or 36 on the ACT.
University of California SAT/ACT Test-Blind Update:
UC will not consider SAT or ACT test scores when making admissions decisions or awarding scholarships. If you choose to submit test scores as part of your application, they may be used as an alternative method of fulfilling minimum requirements for eligibility or for course placement after you enroll.
California State University SAT/ACT Test-Blind Update:
The California State University (CSU) no longer uses ACT or SAT examinations in determining admission eligibility for all CSU campuses. If accepted to a CSU campus, ACT or SAT test scores can be used as one of the measures to place students in the proper mathematics and written communication courses.