Are SAT/ACT Scores Still Important in 2023? (2024)

FAQs

Are SAT/ACT Scores Still Important in 2023? ›

Current figures estimate around 80% of four-year colleges won't require standardized tests for fall 2023 admissions, so the burning question remains: are SAT/ACT scores still important? The shorter answer is: yes. Just because scores are optional, it doesn't mean they aren't still important.

9, 2023, at 9:00 a.m. While the need for submitting SAT/ACT scores has lessened, there are still some universities that require the test scores on applications. SAT and ACT scores have historically been key to the college admissions process, but that's changing quickly.

Your ACT scores, combined with the grade transcript, personal statement, list of activities, and recommendation letters, play a big role in increasing your chances of getting into college. Although in recent years, some colleges are going test-optional, the scores from the ACT still matter.

Hundreds of colleges have dropped their SAT and ACT test requirements for the 2020/2021, 2021/2022, and 2022/2023 college admissions cycles.

All test questions are scored as correct or incorrect. There is no penalty for guessing.

If your scores are an accurate representation of your abilities, they will only strengthen your application. Even if you don't use your scores to apply for college, the experience of studying for and taking a difficult standardized exam will help you as you transition to college.

Yes, standardized tests still matter. For students applying to academically selective colleges in the US, they should still take and submit their ACT or SAT scores.

However, in terms of colleges penalizing applicants for not submitting scores, no. They don't do that. Applying test-optional doesn't hurt your chances if you've got an outstanding application and are as strong or stronger than the other applicants.

Some students choose to take both the ACT and SAT – while others find they are more comfortable with one test or the other based on their learning styles and preferences. Either way you choose, know that colleges and universities have no specific test preference.

Recent research suggests that GPA—not standardized testing—better predicts students' success in college. In fact, researchers found that GPA was five times better at making this prediction when compared to the ACT. Another study showed that grades were a better predictor of graduation rates than test scores.

Is 19 a good ACT score? ›

ACT Test Score Ranges

Average Score Range: 17-24. Above Average Score Range: 25-36.

The minimum score on the ACT is 1 and maximum score is 36.

If you do not submit ACT or SAT scores, your GPA likely matters more than ever. Additionally, a high GPA can help you earn academic scholarships. Most schools consider applicants' cumulative GPAs when choosing who to accept.

Every answer choice on the SAT will have a statistically even distribution of 1 in 4 for each answer choice letter, A, B, C, or D. In other words? There is no most common answer on the SAT. Ultimately, guessing C (or any letter!) will give you the correct answer only a statistical 25% of the time.

Generally speaking, you can miss 1-2 questions on each section and still get a perfect 1600. How many questions you can miss on each section and still hit your target score will depend on your exam's difficulty level and how raw scores convert into scaled scores for that particular test.

Which Letter Should a Student Guess? Our analysis showed that a nuanced approach is best. If you just want to guess one answer choice, then either guess the first answer choice — “A” and “F” — or the last choice — “E” and “K”. The A/F answers were correct 24% of the time.

In June 2021, the College Board opted to discontinue the SAT essay. Now, only students in a few states and school districts still have access to — and must complete — the SAT essay. This requirement applies to some students in the SAT School Day program, for instance, among other groups.

Harvard first announced a shift to test-optional admissions in June 2020, removing the requirement for applicants to the Class of 2025 to submit standardized test scores amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, before it extended the policy to the Class of 2026.

In 2023, the average total SAT score was 1028, the lowest since the test changed format in 2016. Broken down by section, the average score was 520 for the evidence-based reading and writing (ERW) section and 508 for the math.

At The College Curators, we recommend that high school students in the class of 2024 still consider taking the ACT or SAT, but whether or not they submit their scores should depend on test availability and personal performance. Our advice is that: 1.