Standardized Testing: To Test or Not to Test?

That is the question families continue to ask.

For decades, the path to college admission felt predictable: earn strong grades, take the most rigorous courses available, achieve competitive test scores, and engage meaningfully outside the classroom. Then the pandemic disrupted everything. Testing centers shut down, extracurriculars disappeared overnight, and students lost access to formative academic experiences. Colleges had little choice but to adopt test-optional policies.

What began as a temporary solution reshaped the admissions landscape — and we are still living in the aftermath.

The Rise — and Limits — of Test-Optional Admissions

Initially, many colleges were skeptical of eliminating testing requirements. But test-optional policies brought broader, more diverse applicant pools. Students who previously felt excluded began applying in greater numbers. Freed from the pressure of standardized tests, many students leaned into research, internships, and community work to demonstrate readiness.

For a time, this shift felt more equitable. Admissions officers were forced to look deeper — beyond numbers — into essays, recommendations, and context.

Students gained flexibility, too. They could decide strategically whether submitting a score strengthened their application. If test preparation created financial strain, mental hardship, or failed to reflect their academic ability, they could apply without it.

But test-optional policies also introduced new challenges.

Should My Student Submit a Test Score?

The guidance for several years has been straightforward: submit a score only if it’s additive.

If a student’s score falls at or above the median range published by a college, it likely strengthens the application. If it falls below that range, going test-optional may be the better strategy — but families should understand that without a score, every other part of the application must carry more weight.

Students should also look beyond the composite number. Section scores matter, particularly in relation to intended majors. A strong overall score may still raise concerns if a future Biology major has weaker science or math subscores.

Context matters as well. If most students at a high school submit test scores, choosing not to submit may raise questions. High school counselors can provide important insight into local norms.

The Drawbacks of the Test-Optional Era

While test-optional policies expanded access, they also created unintended consequences.

Grade inflation accelerated. Without standardized benchmarks, colleges struggled to evaluate whether a 4.0 GPA reflected consistent rigor. In fact, how GPA and course difficulty are interpreted together has become central to admissions evaluation, which we explore more deeply in our discussion of GPA and rigor in college admissions. As noted in a New York Times opinion piece, “A is now the most popular high school grade in America.” Meanwhile, average standardized test scores declined.

Leaders at selective institutions began speaking openly about the limitations of grade-only evaluation. Christina Paxson, President of Brown University, noted that standardized tests can be stronger predictors of academic success than grades alone. MIT’s Dean of Admissions, Stuart Schmill, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that straight A’s don’t always provide enough information about readiness.

Research has supported this concern. A Harvard Opportunity Insights study found that students who submitted higher SAT or ACT scores tended to earn stronger college GPAs. For highly selective colleges, standardized testing may offer valuable insight that transcripts alone cannot provide.

Beyond the data, there may be something deeper at play. Preparing for standardized tests often builds discipline, resilience, and persistence — qualities that mirror the demands of college-level work. The process itself can become a form of Constructive Struggle, helping students develop intellectual stamina that extends far beyond the exam.

Why Tests Are Making a Comeback

In response to these challenges, a growing number of colleges are reinstating testing requirements. Schools such as MIT, Georgetown, Harvard, Yale, Dartmouth, Brown, Penn, Caltech, and several large public universities have already shifted their policies, and more may follow.

Admissions offices are also grappling with a surge in applications. In a test-optional world, students often apply more broadly, creating overwhelming volumes of applications without traditional academic benchmarks to help guide decisions.

For the most current policies, families should check individual college websites or resources like FairTest.org.

Our Bottom Line

Standardized testing remains imperfect — often inequitable, anxiety-inducing, and far from a complete measure of a student’s ability.

But for now, it still matters.

If your child has the capacity to prepare, we recommend starting early. Testing early preserves flexibility. It gives students the option to submit a score if it strengthens their application — and avoids last-minute stress if policies change.

Prepare. Test when possible. Then decide strategically.

When We Recommend Submitting Scores

Students should strongly consider submitting scores:

• When a college requires them.
• When the score falls at or above the middle 50% range for admitted students.
• When a school is technically test-optional but indicates that scores are helpful.
• When the test score is stronger than the student’s GPA and highlights potential.
• When applying for scholarships, honors programs, or selective majors.
• When applying to STEM or business programs where math or science subscores add credibility.

Unless required, scores should be a feather in the student’s cap — an asset, not a liability.

When We Recommend Going Test-Optional

Students may choose not to test or submit scores:

• If scores plateau after multiple attempts.
• If scores fall below what their GPA suggests.
• If test preparation begins to harm academic performance.
• If preparation causes financial hardship or significant stress.
• If time is better spent on meaningful academic or extracurricular pursuits.
• If testing negatively impacts physical or mental health.

No test score is worth compromising well-being. Once a thoughtful decision is made, move forward confidently and don’t second-guess it.

Practical Tips for Students Who Decide to Test

If your student plans to prepare:

• Choose a tutor or prep method you trust.
• Take frequent practice exams to build endurance.
• Study earlier in the day — before fatigue sets in.
• Use lunch periods or free blocks when possible.
• Consider changing tutors if progress stalls; a fresh approach can make a difference.
• Seek recommendations from trusted peers or school counselors.

The Bigger Picture

Standardized tests are only one piece of the admissions puzzle. Grades, rigor, essays, activities, and recommendations still carry enormous weight — especially when a student applies test-optional.

Ultimately, colleges are looking for students who are prepared, curious, and resilient. Test scores may help tell that story, but they never tell it alone.

To learn more, please visit us at thecollegecurators.com