Juniors took the SAT a few minutes ago, and the reactions were… mixed. Some were worried, some relieved, others left wondering if they could have a do-over. But with so many colleges making their applications Test-Optional, does it even matter?
The short answer is, yes. Despite the fact that many colleges and universities no longer require submission of SAT and ACT scores, they still play a role in the admissions process. Test-optional is a policy recently implemented by many schools, and it essentially allows students to submit their SAT or ACT scores only if they choose to do so. The implication is that a lack of these scores will not negatively impact the applicant’s chances of getting into the school.
So, what determines whether or not someone should submit their scores? At the end of the day, colleges want to see scores that represent a student’s scholarly abilities. If an SAT or ACT score is not flattering or representative of their caliber as a student, choosing not to submit scores is a better option. However, that does not mean the SAT does not matter. High scores can still positively reflect on an applicant, and make their academic prowess clear.
At the end of the day, the SAT, while important, is not the end of the world. Taking and retaking the SAT is not the most productive use of time, especially with more and more colleges seeking a more diverse range of activities. Yes, the SAT does matter, but so do other extracurriculars, and what should be striven for is the well-rounded student.