Do My ACT or SAT Scores Matter?

Despite the fact most colleges continue with their test optional approach to college admissions, virtually every parent and student still ask, “do ACT or SAT scores matter?” No other aspect of the college admissions process generates as many questions as these standardized tests

On the one hand, don’t stress too much about your ACT score as it is only one element of the entire college application. Other elements, like GPA and academic rigor, are much more important. This is confirmed by the most recent annual survey from the National Association for College Admissions Counseling (NACAC). In it, only 5% of colleges and universities view ACT and SAT scores to be of “considerable importance”.

For more detail, please visit our post on why grades and rigor matter the most in college admissions.

Do my ACT or SAT scores matter? Less than you think, but more than you’d like.

Post-COVID, the vast majority of colleges and universities still remain test optional with the most recent data from Fairtest.org revealing that over 90% of colleges remain test optional. Here’s why your standardized test score could matter:

• more selective schools are going back to requiring test scores,
• reported ACT and SAT scores have become inflated at test optional colleges so it’s more difficult to report a score above the median,
• and a high SAT score can be the deciding factor in gaining admission especially if your GPA is below average.

Test Optional Led to More Applications Which is Now Why Some Universities are Once Again Requiring Test Scores

One effect from the test optional trend for many universities is that it increased the number of applications received. Some universities have seen a doubling of applications from pre-COVID levels. Previously, if a student’s SAT score was well below a test required school many students wouldn’t bother sending in an application. This was especially true at colleges that required supplemental essays. 

In the age of high school grade inflation, these highly selective universities needed another factor in determining whether a student could handle the rigor of their curriculum. The answer: the old reliable standardized test scores. There is high correlation between SAT scores and college GPA. As a result, many of these universities are now requiring test scores. 

Test Optional Has Increased the Reported Test Score Range at Many Colleges

Test optional policies also allowed schools to inflate reported ACT and SAT scores. Only applicants with above average top scores submitted their SAT scores, while others with average or below average scores did not. As a result, reported test scores improved at many colleges. Admissions offices with “test optional” policies are delighted when you send them high test scores, and most schools will be happy to accept you if you have SAT or ACT scores above the median of their reported test range.

Nevertheless, test “optional” does not mean the same as “test blind”. The University of California does not consider scores at all. These schools are completely test “blind:”  no one submits them ever.  

Good ACT or SAT scores will help if your GPA is below average

This is especially true if your grades are less than stellar. If you have poor grades, a high score can give an admissions officer some evidence that you are capable of doing college level work. This is especially true at the more selective schools. Thus, if you have opportunity, prepare for and take the SAT or ACT exams.

Do my test scores matter if I want to apply to the Ivy League?

In the years 2026 and 2027, yes, your SAT score matters again for selective universities. Every Ivy League university now either requires a standardized test submission or will require it in the near future. Why do the Ivy League universities now want to see everyone’s test scores? The explanations vary a bit, but in general, these highly selective universities have evidence that test scores are a good predictor of success at their respective schools. This is confirmed by examining the Common Data Set of the Ivy League universities. Both Brown and Dartmouth list standardized test scores as “very important” factors in the admission process. The reality is that competitive colleges and universities want students with high test scores. The largest exception is the University of California system.

Do my ACT or SAT scores matter if I need financial aid?

Whether you will require need-based financial aid or merit-based financial aid, high standardized test scores benefit both type of college applicant.

Need-Based Financial Aid and Standardized Test Scores

Let’s start from this premise:  colleges and universities are businesses. In order to operate, they need money. Thus customers who can pay the full price of admission are highly desired in the admissions process.  And while it is true that most of the universities with the largest endowments are generous with need-based financial aid, the majority of students in the Ivy League pay full price. So when it comes to giving out need-based financial aid, colleges tend to be more picky about whom they give that money to. Therefore, the more evidence an applicant provides that they are worthy of that money, the more likely that applicant is to receive it. And a test score is evidence.  Very solid evidence. 

Good ACT and SAT scores increase your odds of receiving merit aid

High ACT and SAT scores matter even more when it comes to the awarding of merit-based scholarships. For those colleges that offer merit aid (and there are many), your odds of earning a scholarship increase dramatically if you submit a standardized test score well above the school’s median score.  Of course, a high test score needs to be accompanied with a high GPA and academic rigor at a minimum. In fact, many colleges and universities key their merit-based scholarships directly to test scores. The higher the score, the more scholarships you may receive.

So from a monetary perspective, spending a bit of money on test prep to raise your SAT or ACT score a few points higher may mean thousands more dollars in scholarships. In some cases, even a single point on your ACT composite score can mean the difference between a scholarship of $5000 per year and $10,000 per year. If you do the math, this means that you could get $20,000 more free money for higher education over four years just by studying a bit harder for the tests. Investing in test prep can repay itself handsomely, depending on which colleges or universities you may be targeting.

Oh, and this is in addition to getting in:  if you want the money, you have to get in first. And a high test score–as explained–can help you do just that.

Bottom line: Your ACT or SAT scores matter

While standardized tests are not the only factor in college admissions, they do matter a lot. The more selective the university, the more they matter.

And if you’re looking for financial aid or merit-based scholarships, your scores on these tests may make the difference between a college on your list being affordable based on your budget.
So don’t neglect to prepare. A better ACT score means more and better options for you as you continue to navigate the entire college selection and admissions process.

How do I know whether my test scores matter for me?

While it’s great to read general principles here, you may still be wondering whether your tests scores really matter in your case.

• How do your test scores compare to other factors like your GPA in core courses?
• Will a particular score help you or hurt you when applying to a specific college?  
• How do you know whether to submit those scores or not?  
• Should you take the test again?  

The expert college admissions counselors at Great College Advice can help you navigate the uncertain waters of the entire college preparation, selection, and application process.  We can help you place your own test scores in the proper perspective and help you develop a strategy for admissions to the schools on your list.  

Reach out to the team at Great College Advice. We can put together a plan that makes sense for your student. Give us a call or contact us.

Since 2007, the expert team of college admissions consultants at Great College Advice has provided comprehensive guidance to thousands of students from across the United States and over 45 countries across the world. Great College Advice has offices in Colorado, New Jersey, Chicago, North Carolina and Massachusetts.

In addition to our one-on-one counseling, Great College Advice extends its support through one of the most active and resource-rich Facebook Groups for college-bound students and their families: College Admissions Experts. With nearly 150,000 members—students, parents, and experienced counselors—this vibrant forum offers peer support and expert advice like no other.