Testing: the SAT, ACT and test-optional

Testing policies have changed more in the last few years than in the previous thirty. Some colleges require scores again, many are test-optional and a few do not look at them at all. A simple plan avoids both over-testing and missed chances.

4-minute readBy Marcus Shaw, founderUpdated November 2026

Three kinds of policy

Policy	What it means	What to do
Test-required	Scores must be submitted with the application	Plan to test and send scores
Test-optional	Students choose whether to send scores	Send scores if they strengthen the application
Test-free	Scores are not considered, even if sent	No need to test for this college

Policies change, sometimes from one year to the next. Check each college's admissions website in the spring of junior year and again before applying.

SAT or ACT

Nearly every U.S. college accepts either test equally. The tests differ in format and pacing, and some students do noticeably better on one. The simplest way to choose is to take a free official practice test of each, under timed conditions, and compare the results using an official concordance table.

When to test

Sophomore yearOptional: the PSAT or a practice test to get a baseline. No pressure, and colleges do not see it.
Fall of junior yearThe PSAT/NMSQT, which is also the qualifying test for National Merit recognition.
Winter to spring of junior yearA first official SAT or ACT, after some preparation.
Late spring or summerA second attempt, if the first score is below the student's goal.
Early senior yearA final attempt only if needed, early enough for application deadlines.

How many times

Two or three attempts is common. Scores often rise between the first and second test, then level off. Beyond that, the time is usually better spent on grades, activities and applications.

Superscoring and score choice

Many colleges superscore, combining a student's best section scores across test dates. Many also allow students to choose which test dates to send. Some colleges ask for every score. Each college states its policy on its admissions website.

Should you send scores to a test-optional college?

A common approach is to compare your student's score with the middle range of scores for admitted students, often published in the college's Common Data Set. If the score is at or above the middle of that range, sending it usually helps. If it is below, the application may be stronger without it. A college may also use scores for scholarships or course placement even when admission is test-optional.

A general guideline, not a rule. Each college decides how it reads scores.

Preparing without overdoing it

Use official practice tests from the test makers. They are free and the closest to the real thing.
Review every wrong answer and sort mistakes into content, timing and careless errors.
A few hours a week for six to eight weeks before a test is a reasonable plan for most students.
Ask about accommodations early if your student has a documented need. Approval can take weeks.

Fee waivers

Students from families who qualify can receive fee waivers for the SAT and ACT, and often for college application fees as well. Ask the school counselor.

Do this now

Have your student take one free official practice test of each, SAT and ACT.
Choose one test and pick two possible test dates in junior year.
Check the testing policy of every college on the early list.
Look up the admitted-student score range for three of those colleges.
Ask about accommodations now, if they apply.

SAT or ACT: which fits?Seven questions on pace, reading, math and format show which test to try first.

Open the free tool

Want someone to handle this part? Your Caveat advisor builds the testing plan, picks the dates around school and sports, and decides with your family where scores help. Your student takes the test.

Book a free 20-minute call

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The Caveat Family Guide to College is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Each college decides admission, aid and how credit counts, and requirements change; check each college's own pages. Examples are examples, not promises. Caveat Academic Services is an independent college preparation company. Students do all of their own work.