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College admissions testing policies can feel confusing, especially because colleges use terms like “optional” and “recommended” in different ways. Understanding what each policy means can help families make more informed decisions about whether and when it’s appropriate to submit an SAT or ACT score.

Test-Required

Colleges with a test-required policy expect students to submit their SAT or ACT scores as part of the application. These scores are considered alongside grades, coursework, and other materials in the admissions review process. Students interested in applying to test-required institutions should plan to test well in advance (ideally before the summer going into senior year), allowing time for possible retakes. It’s not uncommon for a student to test two or three times in order to improve their superscore, the combined best scores across test dates.

Test-Optional

Test-optional policies allow students to decide for themselves whether to submit their test scores. Applications are reviewed with or without them, and either choice is acceptable. In this scenario, it’s important to compare the student’s best score (or superscore) to that of the typical accepted student at the institution. For some students, a strong score can reinforce their academic profile. For others, choosing not to submit scores may allow other strengths—such as grades, course rigor, and activities—to take greater focus.

Test-Recommended/Test-Preferred

These policies suggest that while scores are not strictly required, they can still play an important role in the evaluation process. Similar to test-optional, submitting scores may strengthen an application if they align well with the student’s academic performance. However, unlike test-optional policies, choosing not to submit a score may weaken an application. Families should consider this category carefully, ideally with some understanding of historical admissions data, as “recommended” often signals an expectation rather than a truly optional approach.

Test-Blind (or Test-Free)

Test-blind policies mean that a college will not consider an SAT or ACT score at all, even if submitted. In these cases, admissions decisions are based entirely on other components, such as academic record, coursework rigor, essays, recommendations, and activities.

Sometimes Optional/Contextual Policies

Some colleges use more nuanced approaches in which testing expectations vary based on factors like GPA as recalculated by the college, academic program of choice, or other criteria. These policies may allow certain students to apply without scores while requiring or recommending them for others. It’s important to read each college’s policy carefully and pay attention to any follow-up communication about score submission.

How to Decide Whether to Submit

Before making a decision, students should take at least one full-length practice SAT or ACT to understand their baseline performance. From there, families can compare potential scores to the student’s academic record and determine whether submitting a score adds value. It’s also helpful to see how those scores compare to the typical range of admitted students at each college.

Always review each college’s admissions website carefully, as policies can vary from one institution to another.

Testing is just one part of the application. The goal is to present a clear, thoughtful picture of a student’s strengths and potential—and an 51�Թ� member educational consultant can help your family weigh the testing decision in the context of your student’s college list and specific situation.

By Sarah Girolami, CEP, 51�Թ� Professional Member (LA)