Why your ACT/SAT test scores matter for college admissions

While some colleges have gone test-optional in recent years, a majority of schools still requires the ACT, SAT, or other standardized test scores from applicants. Even schools that don't require test scores often recommend them. As a result, your ACT/SAT scores still matter for college admissions! Here's a look at how they can impact your chances of an acceptance letter (and overall college experience).

7 reasons your ACT/SAT matter for college admissions

In general, higher ACT/SAT scores mean you're more likely to gain an acceptance letter. However, keep in mind that colleges look at your application as a whole – your test results are just one piece of the puzzle.

1. Most schools still require SAT/ACT scores

Most colleges and universities in the United States still require SAT and ACT scores from applicants. Several schools that were previously test-optional have recently returned to requiring the exams. Always read over application requirements well in advance to avoid missing materials.

If you submit your application to one of these colleges and it's missing your score, you'll likely receive a rejection letter.

2. Others recommend them

Colleges might not require your SAT/ACT results – but schools may recommend or at least consider them. They'll still review your application if you don't send your scores, but if it's a tight race, failing to submit them could put you behind the competition.

3. They impact admissions decisions

Submitting your test scores is only half the battle – you also need to score high enough. Colleges are looking for students with competitive results. The higher you score, the more likely you are to receive an acceptance letter.

Colleges typically don't have "minimum" SAT/ACT scores, but applicants who have scores within a specific range are more likely to be accepted. A score below that range doesn't necessarily mean you won't be accepted, especially if you have a great GPA and extracurriculars, but it could lower your chances.

You can learn more about the results your school wants from its applicants by reviewing its Common Data Set or visiting its profile on College Raptor's College Match.

4. Scores help with academic advising and course placement

Your SAT/ACT test results can also impact your first year classes. The scores give colleges insight into your abilities, strengths, and weaknesses. Lower scores in select sections of the exam generally indicate you need a bit more work to take college-level courses, while higher scores show you're ready for college-level work.

As a result, high SAT/ACT scores could mean you "test out" of certain courses and the school waives these requirements. For example, a student who did well on the English portion of one of the exams might be placed in an advanced or honors English course. Testing out of a class could therefore save you hundreds or thousands of dollars.

5. They could qualify you for grants and scholarships

Some organizations and schools offer merit scholarships and grants to students who score high enough on the SAT, ACT, or other standardized test. There's also the National Merit Scholarship for students who score well on the PSAT.

6. It could expand your college search

Have you ever received information from colleges you don't remember signing up for? That's because you probably didn't. Colleges work with the College Board (SAT) and ACT.org to connect with students whose test scores on the SAT, ACT, or PSAT meet the scores that the schools are looking for in prospective students. You could discover institutions you never heard of.

7. It provides career insight

Scores on your standardized tests could indicate inherent strengths (or weaknesses) in different areas which could help guide your major and career direction. For example, someone who's scored highly in math could make a great engineer, where someone who scored highly in the English section could make a good marketing specialist.

After you take the ACT, your MyACT report includes a Career Snapshot, which highlights jobs that fit your skills and strengths.

Should you take the ACT/SAT?

Yes, you should take the ACT or SAT, even if you're not sure you're going to college. While you need to study over several weeks, it's a very small investment overall and could make the difference for your education and future career.

While some students skip the exam and apply only to test-optional colleges, we don't recommend this route. If you find a school late in the admission cycle that you'd love to apply to but it requires the SAT/ACT, it could be too late to give enough attention to studying or register.

Schools in general don't prefer one test over the other. So if you're wondering which to take, you can always take both or just the one that you think you'll perform better on.

Taking the SAT/ACT can bolster your chances of admission. Plus, if you don't want to show a school your results for any reason, you don't have to. You can simply leave them off of your ACT or SAT profiles.

See how your test score impacts admissions odds

By signing up for College Match and entering your information, you can see how your test scores impact your admissions odds at thousands of colleges. If you haven't taken the SAT/ACT yet or you're retaking it, you can also use the "What If" tool that allows you to see how a higher test score (or GPA) changes those chances.

You can access the tool by clicking on one of the "What If" buttons at the bottom of the results page (you must be logged in to have this option):

You can customize your target ACT/SAT score or GPA to see how your admissions chances will change:

Ready to impress those admissions officers? Head over to the Citizens Student Hub for tips on everything you need to make your college application shine—securing standout recommendation letters, crafting your essay, highlighting leadership experience, and so much more.