Why do colleges use standardized testing?

The SAT was developed in 1926 as a standardized indicator of aptitude to help college admissions officers evaluate high school students across the country. Because high school curriculums vary widely, a standardized metric allowed admissions officers to gauge how qualified a student was without having to rely solely on grades. As such, the SAT was intended to identify students who deserved serious consideration in spite of not having attended a well–resourced high school.

Due to ongoing efforts to make standardized testing a more accurate and equitable indicator of academic potential, the tests themselves have evolved significantly. The ACT was developed in 1959 as a rival test that aimed to assess learned achievement rather than innate aptitude. Over the years, both the SAT and ACT have had entire sections restructured. In their current iterations, the SAT and the ACT are more closely aligned than they were in the past, assessing similar indicators of reading, writing, and math proficiency. While differences remain between the tests, both are universally accepted among colleges that require standardized testing for admission.

How important are test scores in the college admissions process?

Standardized tests are but one of several factors admissions officers used to evaluate students; in most cases, they are far less important than the transcript of high school grades. By senior year, most ECFS students will have SAT or ACT scores commensurate with their grades and ability, so test scores will neither enhance nor detract from their admission to college.

In the rare case that a student’s test scores are lower than their grades would predict, admissions officers will consider several possible reasons. They may determine that the student is an overachiever who works very hard to earn good grades — this does not imply any particular critical judgment and may in fact be an asset. Alternatively, admissions officers may feel that the way the student thinks is not measured well by standardized testing. Some institutions and programs place more emphasis on athletic achievements and creative portfolios than on test scores. Finally, if the student chooses to disclose a learning difference, colleges that require standardized testing will consider lower scores within the appropriate context. The decision to disclose information regarding learning differences should be discussed with the College Office.

It is worth noting that in the case that a student has higher test scores than their grades would predict, admissions officers will also ask questions: Is the student bright but unmotivated by the rigid structure of high school? Do they have a behavioral or organizational problem? Have they devoted more time and effort to learning material outside of class? As with test scores that are lower than expected, scores that are higher than expected do not imply a particular critical judgment and are considered in the context of the whole application.

What is the difference between the SAT and the ACT, and which test should I take?

The SAT consists of two sections — Math and Evidence-Based Reading and Writing — scored between 200 and 800 points. The lowest possible SAT score is 400, and the highest possible score is 1600. There is no penalty for wrong answers, so your raw score is directly correlated with the number of questions you answer correctly.

The ACT* currently consists of four separate sections: English, Mathematics, Science, and Reading. Like the SAT, it also does not deduct any points for incorrect answers. The ACT calculates a score ranging from 1 to 36 for each section, as well as a composite score that is the average of the four section scores. The ACT also has an optional writing section. *There will be an upcoming formal update regarding the new digital ACT this spring semester.

ECFS administers a combination PSAT/ACT practice test for all sophomores in the spring. Students can use the results from these tests to determine whether the SAT or the ACT is a better fit.

The New Digital SAT

The new digital SAT is now available for international students (since Spring 2023) and the digital SAT will be available for students in the United States in March 2024 (the 2023 PSAT will likely be a digital format as well). Almost all students in the Class of 2025 completed their testing after the arrival of the digital SAT.

Here are a few fast facts about the new digital SAT:

  • Students will be allowed to use their own computers or tablets (or those provided by the
    test center) and testing will take place on a school campus –– not at home.
  • The test will be shortened from three hours to two and each section is broken into two stages: Reading & Writing contains two stages of 27 questions in 32 minutes and Math contains two stages of 22 questions in 35 minutes.
  • The digital SAT will continue with a scoring range of 200-800. Scoring is equal from the digital and paper-based SAT versions and exam results will take days instead of weeks.
  • The digital test will be stage adaptive by section –– each subject is divided into two sections and based on the performance in the first section. The computer will use an algorithm to determine the level of difficulty for the second section.
  • For students who qualify for accommodations, existing accommodations will be maintained and most will be provided in the digital, adaptive format. For accommodations that cannot be provided digitally (e.g., Braille), students will take a longer, three-hour, non-digital, and non-adaptive exam.

Will the ACT be digital as well?

ACT offered a pilot of the online option to 5,000 students during the December 2023 ACT National test event at select test centers. Some students can choose between “Computer” and “Paper” as the testing format when registering to take the ACT test.

When a digital version is fully released, ACT will retain the option of a paper-based test and score reports will remain the same. The length of the ACT is anticipated to remain the same across both formats.

What are the details about test-optional schools?

In recent years, many colleges have begun implementing test-optional admissions. At these schools, test scores are not required, though they will still be considered. Over 900 liberal arts colleges and major research universities have now adopted some form of this policy.

Test-optional policies have continued to be common for a variety of reasons. Firstly, because research has demonstrated that high school grades are more reliable than test scores in predicting a student’s success, some colleges prefer to focus on a student’s transcript. Secondly, test optional policies allow colleges to expand their efforts in regard to diversity, access, and inclusion. Finally, from a marketing standpoint, adopting test-optional policies allows colleges to accept more applications while maintaining the same number of open seats, thus increasing their selectivity.

Some colleges have a test-flexible policy in lieu of a test-optional policy. These schools will consider a range of testing options for admissions, including SAT or ACT scores, International Baccalaureate scores, and Advanced Placement scores. Some test-flexible institutions even allow the submission of a formal research paper, graded class paper, or additional writing samples in lieu of testing. A few institutions, including the entire University of California system employ a test-blind policy and do not accept any standardized testing for consideration.

A complete list of test-optional institutions is available on the National Center for Fair and Open Testing website. Note that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many colleges that did not normally have a test-optional policy will continue to retain one for the 2024–2025 application cycle.