Are SAT’s mandatory for studying abroad?

Published on June 13, 2024.

What is the SAT?

The SAT or Scholastic Assessment Test is a standardised entrance test many colleges and universities use to make admission decisions. The SAT is a test with multiple-choice questions designed to evaluate your abilities in reading, writing, and mathematics. It is a computer-based test created and administered by the College Board.

This test aims to see if high school students are ready for college. It gives colleges a single baseline to compare all students. Your SAT score may be considered by colleges as they evaluate your application, along with your grades, activities, and essays, among other factors. Generally, higher SAT scores mean more college options and ways to pay for it. How significant these scores are depends on the school you’re applying to.

Is it mandatory for studying abroad?

Despite the common assumption that standardised tests like the SAT are absolutely essential for admission consideration, this isn't entirely accurate. In recent times, numerous admissions offices have updated their criteria, taking up other approaches. Many institutions have opted to go test-optional, removing the necessity for students to submit their SAT scores with their applications. Additionally, some schools have transitioned to being completely test-blind, disregarding test scores entirely in the admission process.

The shift was further backed by the increase in online classes and remote learning during the pandemic. In 2020 and 2021, due to the COVID-19 crisis, high school students couldn't take the SAT in person. Due to this, over 1800 US colleges changed their admissions to be test-optional for the 2020-21 application round. This trend continued, with top schools like Stanford and Carnegie Mellon also adopting test-optional policies.

At Tads Education, we excel in SAT strategy guidance, and our students are guided by mentors who have achieved scores exceeding 1550 themselves. Keeping in mind each student's unique objectives, we help in the selection between the SAT and the ACT, as well as in devising a tailored testing timeline. Our approach is designed to your needs, focusing on strategic planning, time management, and providing essential resources. Furthermore, we prioritise consistency, tracking your progress and incorporating feedback for continuous improvement! First, let’s get a clear understanding of all the different testing policies and understand what policies each top college follows.

Test Required, Test Optional, and Test Blind Colleges

Testing Policy	What Does It Mean?	Do I Need to Take the SAT?
Test Required	Colleges require submission of standardized test scores for admissions consideration.	Yes
Test Optional	Colleges give applicants the choice to submit standardized test scores for admissions consideration.	Optional
Test Blind	Colleges do not consider standardized test scores at all in their admissions decisions.	Optional

Test Required Colleges

Under this policy, colleges mandate the submission of standardised test scores, such as SAT and ACT, for admissions consideration. For example, institutions like Dartmouth and Harvard fall under this category. In exceptional cases where access to these tests is limited, students may fulfil this requirement through alternative exams such as APs (Advanced Placement), IB (International Baccalaureate), British A-Levels, or equivalent standardised national exams. This policy recognises the variability in access to American standardised testing both within and outside the United States.

The following colleges require the submission of standardised tests:

Test Optional Colleges

Under the test-optional policy, applicants can choose whether to include standardised test scores in their applications. While good scores can still help, students won't be penalised for not submitting them. This approach allows applicants to shape their applications according to their goals. Test-optional policies widen access to college admissions, especially for students dealing with test anxiety, lacking access to test prep, or simply preferring not to take standardised tests. Some of the top universities which offer a test-optional policy are:

Test Blind Colleges

Institutions following this policy do not consider standardised test scores, including SATs, at all in their admissions decisions.

How is it beneficial?

Test-optional policies are considered beneficial for several reasons. First, they align with a holistic admissions approach, allowing institutions to consider applicants beyond just their test scores and thereby reflect the university's broader values. This approach is seen as more inclusive and allows for a more comprehensive evaluation of each applicant.

Second, test-optional policies are expected to increase student body diversity across various dimensions, including geographic, socioeconomic, and racial/ethnic diversity.

Furthermore, these policies have the potential to mitigate the disadvantages that standardised testing may pose to certain demographic groups. For example, they may reduce the barriers faced by students from low-income backgrounds who may not have access to test preparation resources or who may underperform on standardised tests due to environmental or social factors.

It's important to note that the effectiveness and impact of test-optional policies can vary. Researchers at Dartmouth conducted a study to understand the significance of standardised test scores in predicting academic success and the impact of test-optional policies on admissions. They found that SAT and ACT scores strongly correlate with first-year GPA across various demographic groups, indicating their predictive value. Findings also show that Test-optional policies, however, may hinder the identification of promising, less-advantaged students, possibly favouring those from higher-income backgrounds. Despite this, using test scores helps Dartmouth predict how students will perform and increases their chances of graduating, no matter the demographic.

However, the potential for increased inclusivity, diversity, and mitigating the disadvantages associated with standardised testing makes test-optional policies a favourable option for many institutions.

The findings of a study by Bennet T.C suggest that the adoption of test-optional policies by institutions led to an increase in the enrollment of Pell Grant recipients (students eligible for federal financial aid grants), underrepresented racially/ethnically minority students, and women. There is also considerable evidence of an increase in applications.

Should I still take the SAT?

However, you might want to note that for those who have the time and financial means, taking the SAT can still be valuable. Some may qualify for fee waivers, or their schools may cover the cost. Strong SAT scores can enhance admission prospects, particularly for those with limited extracurricular activities or lower GPAs. Applicants unhappy with their scores can choose not to submit them to test-optional schools.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, widespread adoption of test-optional policies became the new norm due to challenges in taking standardised tests. Many of these policies persisted even after the pandemic's threat diminished. Initially, standardised tests were perceived to disadvantage students from lower-income backgrounds and under-resourced high schools. However, more recent studies indicate that alternative measures such as recommendation letters, essays, and extracurricular activities are also subject to biases.

This reminds us of the purpose of standardised tests - to provide fair and objective evaluations of students' knowledge and abilities across diverse backgrounds. Adding on to this, the recent transition in 2024 of esteemed institutions like Harvard and Dartmouth to test-required policies, making standardised testing mandatory with few exceptions, further suggests the importance these tests hold.

The cons of taking the SAT are comparatively less compared to the potential pros. While investing time in preparation may not always get you your desired results, strong scores can increase admission chances and qualify students for more financial aid. Omitting test scores when applying to test-optional schools typically doesn't harm admission prospects, as reviews are becoming more holistic. However, applicants not submitting test scores may face increased scrutiny on other materials, such as GPA, letters of recommendation, essays, and extracurriculars.

Admissions departments assess all aspects of an applicant's academic profile. If you believe your standardised test scores could strengthen your application, it's advisable to include them!

Figuring out the SAT and college admissions can be tricky, especially with the changing policies about whether you need to take it. Determining whether to take the SAT involves considering various factors such as your circumstances, aspirations, and the admission requirements of the colleges you're eyeing.

At Tads Education, we're here to help you through every step of the college admissions process. Whether you opt to tackle the SAT head-on or explore colleges with flexible testing policies, our team of experienced mentors is dedicated to providing guidance every step of the way. If you're ready to take the next step toward your future, reach out to us today. Let's work together to make your college dreams a reality!