Standardized Testing & College Admissions
Standardized testing has been a crucial component of the college admission process for many years. However, over the past two decades, the requirements and philosophy of admissions testing have undergone significant changes. This guide helps you understand testing options, policies, and how scores fit into your application.
Last Updated: May 2026
Understanding the Current Testing Landscape
The COVID-19 pandemic changed standardized testing requirements significantly. While some colleges and universities still require standardized test scores for admissions, most higher education institutions in the United States now offer test-optional or test-blind policies. This means you can choose whether to submit your scores.
What You Need to Know
Standardized testing is only one part of your college application. Most colleges put the most weight on your high school transcript and the difficulty of the courses you took.
Test scores don't guarantee admission or prevent admission by themselves. If you submit them, they are just one piece of a larger application review. Colleges look at your grades, essays, activities, and other factors too.
Test-Optional vs. Test-Blind Policies
Test-optional: You can submit scores if you want, or skip them entirely. Test-blind: The college doesn't look at test scores, even if you submit them. Each college has its own policy. Check your schools' websites to understand their specific requirements.
When Strong Test Scores Help
If your test scores are much higher than your GPA, submitting them can help show your abilities. Strong scores may also qualify you for merit scholarships at colleges that consider them for financial aid.
Types of Standardized Tests for College Admissions
How to Find College Testing Policies: The Common Data Set
Every college publishes a Common Data Set that shows transparent information about their admissions and students. Two sections help you understand testing:
Section C7: First-Year Admission Testing Policy
This section shows whether the college requires, recommends, or makes testing optional. Understanding this policy is your first step in deciding whether to submit scores.
Section C9: Test Scores of Admitted Students
This section shows the middle 50% range of SAT and ACT scores for students admitted to that college. If your scores fall within or above this range, submitting them will strengthen your application. If they fall below, you may want to think twice about submitting them at a test-optional school.
How to find it: Search "[college name] common data set." Look for Sections C7 and C9 to evaluate your testing strategy for that school.
Learn More About the Common Data SetHigh school students have a variety of standardized tests to navigate, each with their own specific structure, timing, and purpose. Understanding these differences helps you plan effectively.
Practice Tests for SAT and ACT Preparation
PSAT 8/9
The PSAT 8/9 establishes a baseline for college and career readiness. It measures the same skills and knowledge as the SAT but at a level appropriate for 8th and 9th graders.
PSAT 10
The PSAT 10 is identical to the PSAT/NMSQT but administered to 10th graders in the spring. It helps students familiarize themselves with the SAT's content, format, and timing.
Provides excellent SAT preparation while also serving as the qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship Program. Only juniors taking this test in October are eligible for National Merit recognition.
PreACT
The PreACT provides insight into a student's academic and career planning needs while preparing them for the ACT format. It helps identify college and career readiness benchmarks.
College Admission Tests
SAT
Divided into two sections: evidence-based reading and writing, and math. Each section is worth up to 800 points. The SAT emphasizes reasoning and problem-solving skills.
ACT
Covers four curriculum-based subject areas: English, Math, Reading, and Science, plus an optional Writing section. The ACT is more curriculum-based and includes a science reasoning section.
CCMR Benchmarks:
ELAR: Combined 40 (English + Reading) | Math: 22
TSIA2
Required for students enrolling in Texas public colleges and universities. The TSIA2 determines college readiness and appropriate course placement. Students may be exempt based on SAT or ACT scores.
📅 Testing Timeline by Grade Level
PSAT 8/9
Establish baseline college readiness and identify academic strengths early in high school.
TSIA2 (Texas Students)
Students should be able to pass the TSIA2 after completing 8th grade English and Algebra 1. Take this test before enrolling in a Texas public college or university to determine course placement and college readiness.
PSAT 10 & PreACT
Practice tests to familiarize yourself with format and identify areas for improvement. Low-stakes preparation phase.
PSAT/NMSQT
National Merit Scholarship qualification opportunity. Strong baseline for SAT preparation.
SAT or ACT (Final Attempts)
Last opportunities to improve scores before application deadlines. Most students see score increases.
Common Questions About Standardized Testing
Most students do not need to take both tests. Try official practice tests for each to see which format feels more comfortable. Focus your preparation time on the test that best showcases your strengths.
If you take one test and are not satisfied with your score, you might consider trying the other format before committing to extensive test prep for the same exam.
How many times should I take the SAT or ACT?
Most students take the SAT or ACT two to three times. Taking the test once provides a baseline score, and a second attempt often results in score improvement through increased familiarity and targeted preparation.
Avoid taking the test more than three or four times, as score improvements tend to plateau. Focus on meaningful preparation between attempts rather than simply retaking without additional study.
Do I need to submit test scores if a college is test-optional?
Test-optional means the decision is yours. Submit scores if they strengthen your application by demonstrating academic ability beyond your transcript. If your scores fall below the institution's published middle 50% range, you may choose not to submit them.
Consider the full context of your application. Strong scores can be particularly helpful if your GPA is slightly lower due to a challenging course load or if you are applying to competitive programs within the institution.
What is superscoring and do colleges use it?
Superscoring is when colleges consider your highest section scores from multiple test dates to create your best possible composite score. Many colleges superscore the SAT, and an increasing number also superscore the ACT.
Check each college's testing policy to understand whether they superscore and which test dates they require you to submit. This information is typically available on the admissions section of their website.
When should I start preparing for standardized tests?
Begin preparing during sophomore year by taking the PSAT or PreACT. This gives you a baseline understanding of the test format and content. Start focused test preparation in the spring of junior year or summer before senior year.
Consistent, moderate preparation over several months is more effective than intensive cramming. Use official practice materials from the College Board or ACT to ensure you are working with authentic test content.
Are test accommodations available for students with disabilities?
Yes, both the College Board and ACT offer accommodations for students with documented disabilities. Common accommodations include extended time, separate testing rooms, large-print materials, and other supports.
Apply for accommodations well in advance of your planned test date, as the approval process can take several weeks. Work with your school counselor or 504/IEP coordinator to gather necessary documentation.
Official Testing Resources
Access official practice materials, registration information, and testing policies directly from the organizations that create and administer these exams.
Ms. Thrash helps students understand how standardized testing fits into building candidacy and developing a comprehensive college application strategy. She provides personalized guidance to help families make informed decisions about testing based on individual circumstances and college goals. Students gain clarity and confidence as they navigate their unique path through the admissions process.