Some colleges and universities have made the SAT/ACT optional, but highly competitive schools usually require it. It's important to check individual school admission pages for their specific policies.
Washington Public Universities: All have either made made the SAT/ACT optional or they are test-blind Examples: UW policy, University of California policy
Military Academies & ROTC: Most college military programs require test scores.
Highly Competitive Colleges & Universities: Even if the school is test-optional, high SAT or ACT scores may help your application. For example, Princeton University states, “Our most promising candidates tend to earn strong grades and have comparatively high scores on standardized tests” and Yale University says their, "internal research has consistently shown that ACT and SAT scores are a significant predictor of a student’s undergraduate academic performance."
NCAA (for athletes): The NCAA permanently eliminated standardized test score requirements starting with the 2023–24 school year.
SAT Changes: The SAT dropped the optional essay portion of the test, along with subject tests. (read article).
What you should do:
Visit the admission webpages of schools to which you want to apply and find out what their SAT/ACT policy is. You do not need to submit SAT or ACT scores for public universities in Washington state.
Decide if you want to take the tests and submit scores. If the answer is yes, study and register early to get a testing site close to home. Your scores are not sent to colleges unless you request it when you register, so you may want to wait and see your score before you have scores sent to a college, however, there is a fee of about $15 per report. Learn more about sending your scores: SAT | ACT
Consider using a flexible reporting strategy. This means you should report your test scores depending on the school. For each school you're applying to:
Find the score range of ACT/SAT of its accepted students. You can search "SAT range [college name]".
If your score falls within that bracket, submit your score to that school.
If it does not, do not submit for that school if it's not required.
Remember that grades and coursework almost always have more weight in admissions decisions than test scores.
If you are planning to attend a community college, technical college, or trade school, you will most likely not need to take the SAT or ACT. These schools usually have their own English and math placement tests and methods. Check the school's website for details.
Finally, please remember that the College Board who administers the SAT and Educational Testing Service (ETS) who adminsters the ACT are businesses. Just because they send you an email telling you that you should sign up for a test doesn't mean that you need to. Check college admission websites to find out what you should be doing.
More details about SAT vs. ACT
SAT Fee Waivers ACT Fee Waivers
If you qualify for free/reduced lunch, TANF, SNAP, or other benefits for low income families, you should be eligible for a fee waiver. You must get the waiver before you register for a test.
You can also download free apps that send you a daily practice question.
When is the PSAT? Why should you take it?
The PSAT is given in mid-October. Typically, sophomores take the test to get practice for the PSAT/SAT. Juniors take the test to practice for the SAT. You can use the information you get back after taking the PSAT to study for the SAT. It is also the National Merit Scholar Qualifying Test (NMSQT) for juniors. If you allow your PSAT scores to be released to colleges, some may start contacting you based on your score, but this is not an offer of admission. Colleges do not use PSAT scores for admission.
Do PSAT Scores Predict SAT Scores? What's a Good PSAT Score?
How many times should I take the SAT/ACT?
Most students will want to take it 2-3 times, usually toward the end of junior year and beginning of senior year. You should not take the test several times to improve your score; you should study before the test to maximize your score. To learn more:
Article FAQ: How Many Times Should a Student Take the SAT or ACT?
Article “Retake the SAT & ACT”
How do colleges get my SAT/ACT scores?
Through SAT/ACT, you arrange to have your scores sent to the schools of your choice. Be sure to submit scores by the deadlines established by each school, usually in fall or winter of your senior year. Check the freshman admissions page of the school’s website for deadlines.
What’s a good score?
A “good score” is subjective and depends on how competitive it is to get into the colleges of your choice. Research score ranges for schools to which you plan to apply.
Scholarships
Most scholarships are not directly linked to the PSAT, SAT, or ACT. Some scholarship applications may ask to see these scores, but many do not.