Test-optional doesn’t always mean what you think it does. While colleges say you won’t be at a disadvantage without SAT or ACT scores, the data tells a more complicated story—especially at highly selective schools. In this post, I break down what’s really happening behind the scenes, which colleges still rely heavily on testing, and how to decide what’s right for your student.

Starting spring 2025, the ACT will be shorter and offer an optional Science section, providing a more flexible and student-friendly test.