Are standardized tests a thing of the past? Not quite.

Many colleges and universities have recently adopted test-optional policies, allowing students to decide whether to submit SAT and ACT scores with their applications. This shift led to a belief that standardized tests are becoming obsolete. However, the role of standardized test scores in college admissions is far from over.

Understanding the ongoing importance of standardized tests can help you support your students in making informed decisions about their futures. Test scores continue to play a crucial role in college admissions, scholarships, and course placement.

Here’s what you need to know about the evolving landscape of standardized testing and why it matters for students.

The Rise of Test-Optional Admissions

The test-optional movement gained momentum as institutions aimed to increase accessibility and reduce barriers for students from diverse backgrounds. By removing mandatory test score requirements, colleges hoped to attract a wider pool of applicants, particularly those who may not have the resources for extensive test preparation.

While this approach seems to encourage fairness, it also brings up some questions about how students will be assessed without a standard measure.

With test scores out of the equation, other application components—such as GPA, extracurriculars, recommendation letters, and personal statements—carry more weight. However, these factors can be highly subjective and influenced by differences in school rigor, grading policies, and access to resources.

Why Standardized Tests Still Matter

As educators, your goal is to nurture student potential while preparing them for success in higher education and beyond. Despite the growing number of test-optional schools, standardized tests continue to serve several important functions in the college admissions process:

1. Clear-Cut Academic Measure
   Standardized tests provide a uniform measure to compare students across different schools, states, and educational backgrounds. Where GPAs can sometimes feel like comparing apples to oranges, SAT and ACT test scores bring clarity and consistency to the mix.
2. Unlock Scholarships and Aid
   Many scholarship programs, including those offered by universities, still require SAT or ACT scores for eligibility. High test scores can unlock financial aid that significantly reduces the cost of college — an opportunity your students can seize to save themselves money and make higher education more accessible.
3. Skip the Basics with Placement
   Some colleges use standardized test scores for course placement, particularly in subjects like math and English. Once again, strong test scores can help students bypass remedial courses, saving time and tuition costs.
4. Stand Out in Admissions
   While test-optional policies focus on a holistic review of applicants, standardized test scores still provide a critical piece of the puzzle. Admissions officers are still considering test scores when available, often using them to differentiate between applicants with similar academic records. With the right tools, you can support students in maximizing their potential and showcasing their strengths where it matters most.

Get the Tool That Works for Your Students

CERT gives your school a game plan for academic success—so you can support students with confidence and help them achieve better test scores!

The Test-Optional Reality: What Teachers Should Know

Going test-optional doesn’t mean tests are irrelevant. Instead, students should approach the decision strategically. It requires students to make strategic, well-informed decisions about when and how to use these scores.

Here’s how you can help your students navigate these challenges:

1. Assess Their Strengths
   Encourage students to consider how their own standardized test scores measure up against the average admitted student at their target colleges. For those with strong scores, submitting them can add a significant boost to their application and highlight their academic readiness.
2. Research Each School’s Policy
   Educate your students about the nuances of test-optional policies. Some schools don’t require test scores, while others may still use them for specific programs, scholarships, or placement decisions. Having clarity on these details empowers students to make more strategic choices.
3. Evaluate Other Credentials
   Support your students in assessing their overall academic profile. If a student's GPA, coursework, and extracurriculars are exceptional, they may feel confident applying without test scores. However, if they have areas of concern, a strong test score could serve as a valuable counterbalance and enhance their applications.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Standardized Testing

The debate over standardized testing is far from over. Some schools have committed to permanent test-optional policies, while others are re-evaluating the role of SAT and ACT scores in admissions.

Additionally, the College Board and ACT continue to refine their assessments, emphasizing skills that align with college and career readiness.

The key takeaway is that test scores still matter.

While they may no longer be required at every institution, they remain a valuable tool for:

• Showcasing academic potential
• Securing scholarships
• Easing the transition to college-level coursework
  

Rather than viewing standardized tests as a hurdle, students should see them as an opportunity to strengthen their applications and open doors to new possibilities.

Empower Your Students with the Right Tools

Navigating standardized testing can be challenging for students, but as educators, you have the power to provide the resources they need to succeed. CERT simplifies the process of preparing students for the SAT® or ACT® and enhances their college readiness journey.

Preparing students for the SAT® or ACT® and college readiness doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With CERT, you can provide the targeted guidance your students need to thrive. CERT is a comprehensive, user-friendly platform that mirrors real testing conditions, delivering personalized study plans, performance analytics, and expert-led video lessons to tackle students’ weak areas head-on.

With over 80,000 students seeing improved scores and greater college readiness, CERT has become the trusted choice for educators who want to make a meaningful impact.

Set up a FREE demo today and see how CERT can make a meaningful difference for your school.