Does the SAT Still Matter? 5 Things You Need to Know

Is the SAT totally irrelevant now?

Ask this question, and you'll get a variety of responses. While some people claim that the SAT will never be restored to its pre-pandemic status, others believe it is only a matter of time before most colleges reinstate standardized test requirements. With so many mixed opinions on the role of standardized testing in college admissions and no clear consensus, is taking the SAT or ACT worth your time?

And how will your score factor into your decision? We've compiled a list of things you need to know.

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1. Many colleges are reinstating testing requirements

Most famously, Harvard retracted its generous test-optional policy, which was supposed to extend to the class of 2030, citing that SAT and ACT scores "[are] valuable for identifying talent from across the socioeconomic range." Many colleges have researched and found that SAT scores are a better predictor of college performance than high school GPA, influencing their decision to reinstate testing requirements — notably Yale, Dartmouth, Cornell, Brown, Georgetown, and the University of Florida.

If you're applying to any selective colleges where going test-optional is not an option, planning to take the SAT or ACT is definitely a good idea. Whether you're a rising high school freshman or senior about to apply to colleges, it's never too late(or early!) to start thinking.

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2. Taking the SAT can help overcome deficiencies in the rest of your application

This only applies to a certain extent, of course. But if your grades don't reflect your true academic potential, one of the best ways to show colleges that you're ready to handle their challenging curriculum is by taking the SAT or ACT — and doing well. While a high SAT score can't counteract poor grades, it's still far better than not submitting a score at all.

If your grades only show a part of your potential, the SAT can help paint a more complete picture of your college readiness—so consider taking a standardized test!

3. Some colleges offer merit-based scholarships based on your SAT score

It sounds too good to be true, right? But there are hundreds of merit scholarships you can qualify for based on your SAT score. Not to mention, some colleges will automatically admit you if your GPA and SAT score both fall above a certain specified threshold.

CollegeVine has a (non-exhaustive) list of these colleges, and there are plenty of resources online to help you look for colleges that offer SAT-qualifying scholarships. You can get up to $20,000 off your tuition this way!

If affording college might pose some financial issues for you and your family, you should look into what options are available to you and consider taking the SAT or ACT.

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4. The DSAT (digital SAT) is shorter, and widely regarded as easier than the paper SAT

With the digital SAT, you won't have to spend time flipping back and forth between pages, and the passages you'll have to read are much shorter. You're also equipped with Desmos, the graphing calculator, in the math section, which is a huge time-saver. All things considered, there are many advantages to taking the digital SAT compared to the paper.

If you have time and want to experience a high school rite of passage, why not take the SAT? In the worst-case scenario, you don't have to submit your score to (most) colleges, and you can try again. Or, if you end up doing better than you expected, you might be able to reap all the benefits discussed in tips 1 to 3.

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5. If you think your score is too low to submit… it's probably not

Many students look at the average SAT scores of the colleges they're applying to and think, "Darn, my score is too low." In reality, the numbers are inflated because of test-optional policies.

If you've already taken the SAT before immediately jumping to the conclusion that your score is too low. In that case, you should find out your school's average SAT score and see what scores have historically gotten students from your high school accepted into your colleges. Colleges evaluate your application in context — if you score far above students of your socioeconomic status or your peers at your high school, you should submit, even if your score falls below the 25th percentile of accepted students.

Now that this serious talk is over go back to having a restful and fun summer! You've more than earned it.