The SAT and ACT were designed to screen college applicants. The higher a student scores on these tests, the greater their chance of getting into more competitive colleges. But, these tests have undergone scrutiny over the years, leaving many students wondering: Are the SAT & ACT going away?
For students who are “bad test-takers,” come from less-resourced backgrounds, or have learning disabilities like dyslexia, these tests can be seen as unfair. Even when these students receive accommodations like extended time and frequent breaks, they still may not perform as well as their peers. Students who attend high schools in more affluent areas also seem to perform better on these tests than lower-income students—making them more likely to be accepted into top colleges.
For decades, an organization called FairTest has advocated for abolishing the SAT and ACT. Their argument is based on the idea that these tests should not be used to evaluate college applicants. So, why have organizations like FairTest yet to be successful in their push to get rid of standardized tests?
Standardized tests, despite their flaws and shortcomings, are here to stay. Here are some of the reasons why the SAT and ACT are not going anywhere anytime soon.
College Aptitude Tests Help Predict Future Performance
While imperfect, the SAT and ACT help predict how well students will perform in college. While not necessarily predictive, these exams can be a good indicator of whether students will succeed at the university level.
When we consider the SAT and ACT from that perspective, we see that they serve as useful tools that can help guide students to colleges that will challenge them—without overwhelming them.
Standardized Test Scores Help Compare Applicants from Different Schools and Backgrounds
Research has shown that students from wealthier families and school districts score better on standardized tests. In fact, children of the wealthiest 1% of Americans are 13 times more likely to score 1300 or higher on the SAT than children of low-income families.
Those findings raise valid concerns, but there is a reason why colleges still value the tests in their admissions processes: The tests offer the only way to directly compare students from different schools.
In theory, students take these exams on a “level playing field,” even though there are some inequalities in the availability of test prep and tutoring. However, ACT and SAT scores are the closest college admissions offices have to a yardstick for comparing applicants on a uniform scale.
All of the other factors that college admissions teams weigh are not standardized. For example, it is easier to achieve a perfect GPA at some schools than at others.
For example, if a student from an easier school district earns a perfect 4.0 GPA while a student from a more difficult district earns a 3.5, the SAT and ACT give colleges a more fair way to compare them. Even though ACT and SAT scores are flawed, they at least provide a way to compare students from different schools.
Some colleges are test-optional or test-free (but not all of them!)
In recent years, many colleges have adopted test-optional admissions policies, meaning they don’t require SAT or ACT scores. Over 2,000 colleges and universities nationwide offer test-optional or test-free admissions policies for students beginning college in Fall 2025 or later.
However, many colleges have started to revert back to test-required policies, making it necessary for students to submit their scores. That’s why we recommend all students take these exams if possible—even if they don’t expect to do well.
For test-optional schools, students who get high scores on standardized tests can continue to submit their scores, which may help their chances of admission. Students who don’t do as well can choose not to submit their scores for consideration to test-optional or test-free colleges.
Students Take Standardized Tests to Qualify for Scholarships
In addition to high school grades, SAT and ACT test scores are often used to determine scholarship eligibility. The National Merit Scholarship Program, for example, requires applicants to take the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT).
According to the National Merit Scholarship program, about 1.3 million American high school students apply to take a test to qualify for scholarships each year. In 2026, 7,580 scholarships will be available to young people who take the PSAT/NMSQT in October 2024.
The National Merit Scholarship Program, by requiring a test score from standardized testing, is just one notable instance where test-taking and financial aid are hardwired together. In addition, most colleges and universities use SAT and ACT scores to identify college students who will receive financial aid.
While a federal financial aid form like FAFSA may not require test scores, colleges and universities can decide the requirements for their university-sponsored financial aid packages. So, many students find it beneficial to take at least one test.
Should Students Still Take the SAT and ACT Standardized Tests?
When it comes to standardized testing, taking at least one standardized test is still a win/win situation. If students take the test and do well, it may make them more eligible for scholarships, financial aid, and admission to elite institutions. If a student doesn’t do well, the only downside is the low cost of the exam.
Since every college admissions process will have different testing requirements, taking a standardized test can be a key stepping stone in a student’s education. There are many test-optional colleges for high school seniors to apply to, so it’s important not to stress if you don’t score well.
In the end, it’s just one test! But, every student needs to decide for themselves whether or not taking the SAT or ACT is the right choice for them.
Looking for SAT and ACT test prep resources and other college prep tips?
If you’re nervous about taking these tests: don’t worry! There are plenty of resources to help you stay on track.
- For a collection of free test prep resources, visit StudyLab.me
- Looking for test-optional colleges? This blog post covers universities with test-optional admissions policies.
- Not sure which college applications to complete? StudyLab’s College Finder tool can help you find the perfect college or university for you!
- Are you applying to selective colleges? This blog post reveals how admissions consultants can help you achieve college success.
