Is Test-Optional Really Test-Optional?

In the post-Covid world, the college admissions process has become increasingly more confusing to students and parents. Terms like test-optional and test-blind entered the admissions landscape when access to ACT and SAT testing was limited or unavailable. While many colleges adopted these policies as a response to the pandemic, many have remained in place long after testing centers reopened.

Adding to the confusion, universities continue to adjust their policies from year to year, leaving families wondering: “Should my child even take the ACT/SAT?”. 

In most cases, the answer is yes. 

While many colleges no longer require a score for admission, they are still valuable. At many popular schools - such as Mizzou, Arkansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Missouri State - test scores can still influence scholarships, honors college admissions, course placement, and admissions decisions in some instances. The bottom line? A student may be admitted without a score, but that doesn’t mean a score won’t help. 

If schools don’t require scores, are students still sending them? 

Absolutely.

Many students choose to send scores when they strengthen their applications and scholarship opportunities. Common App data shows that in the 2024-25 admissions cycle, approximately 48% of applicants submitted test scores, up from 44% the prior year. Kansas was also identified as one of the states with the highest rates of score submission, alongside Arkansas, Missouri, Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Florida. 

What does this mean for Kansas students? It means many of their peers are still choosing to submit scores because they believe those scores provide an advantage. A strong ACT or SAT score can help a student stand out in a competitive applicant pool and add another layer of evidence demonstrating college readiness.  

For many families, the biggest benefit of testing isn’t admissions - its affordability. 

A strong ACT or SAT score can significantly increase a student’s merit-based scholarship opportunities. In some cases, a few points difference on the ACT is the difference between thousands of dollars. 

For example, the University of Alabama at Birmingham offers a $5,000 annual scholarship to students with a 26 ACT score. That award increases to $8,000 per year for students with a 27 ACT score. A single-point increase is worth an additional $3,000 annually—or $12,000 over four years.

Scholarship opportunities like these are one of the primary reasons many students continue to test, even when scores are not required for admission. 

A Better Question to Ask

Instead of asking, “Do I need to take the ACT?”, families should ask:

“Could the ACT help me?”

For most students, the answer is yes. 

A strong ACT score can:

• Strengthen a college application

• Increase merit scholarship opportunities

• Improve eligibility for honors colleges

• Support admission to competitive majors or academic programs

• Provide additional options when comparing colleges

Perhaps most importantly, students maintain control over whether their scores are used.

Even if a student takes the ACT or SAT, they are not automatically required to submit those scores to every college. Most test-optional institutions allow applicants to decide whether they want their scores considered as part of the admissions process. If a score strengthens the application, students can submit it. If it doesn't, they often have the option to apply without it.

Taking the test simply gives students more information—and more choices.

Final Thoughts

Test-optional does not mean test-irrelevant.

While colleges may no longer require ACT or SAT scores, those scores can still play an important role in admissions, scholarships, honors programs, and college placement decisions. For many students, taking the ACT is not about meeting a requirement—it's about maximizing opportunities.

Still have questions about the college admissions process? Wondering whether the ACT is the right fit for your student? Looking to gain a few more points before test day?

Adaptive Academics is here to help. We'd love to schedule a free consultation and help your family navigate the college admissions process with confidence.