1. Understanding the Differences

• Test-Optional: Colleges allow applicants to submit SAT or ACT scores, but it’s not required. Choosing to submit (or not) is up to the student.
• Test-Mandatory: Colleges require SAT or ACT scores from all applicants.
• Some schools also use test-blind policies, meaning they don’t consider test scores even if submitted.

Two schools may appear similar on the surface, but their testing policies—especially regarding scholarships, honors programs, or specific majors—can differ significantly.

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2. Examples of Policies by Category

Here are some notable examples (as of mid-2025), based on recent admissions data:

Test-Optional (Common Policy)

• Most Public Universities (e.g., some State University Systems)
• Selective Liberal Arts Colleges like Wesleyan University and Amherst College
• Private Research Universities, including Syracuse University and the University of Miami

These schools typically allow you to choose whether to include your test scores, based on how you want to represent yourself academically.

Test-Mandatory (Less Common)

• University of California System (e.g., UCLA, UC Berkeley) — now test-blind, meaning they don’t consider SAT/ACT scores at all for admissions decisions.
• State-flagship public universities in systems that have opted to reinstate testing requirements, such as Georgia Tech or some campuses in Texas, depending on state legislation.

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3. How to Verify Each School’s Policy

• Visit the college’s official admissions page and search for terms like “test-optional,” “test-required,” or “test-blind.”
• Use their first-year admissions FAQs—these often list the latest standardized testing requirements.
• Net Price Calculators sometimes adjust results based on whether scores are submitted, giving you insight into how important they might be for merit aid.

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4. Why It Matters

• Strategic Application: If your test scores are strong, submitting them can enhance your application. If not, applying test-optional can minimize risk.
• Scholarship Eligibility: Some merit-based scholarships still use standardized test scores even at test-optional schools.
• Course Placement: Scores can impact placement in freshman-level courses or access to first-year programs.

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5. Quick Chart Template (Customize with Actual Schools)

College	Testing Policy	Notes
University A	Test-Optional	Offers optional incentive scholarships
University B	Test-Mandatory	Especially for engineering and business
University C	Test-Blind	Does not accept or review scores

(Tip: Fill in real schools you’re covering—e.g., Northeastern (test-optional), Georgia Tech (test-mandatory), UC Berkeley (test-blind).)

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Bottom Line

Testing policies vary widely—and they can change annually. Always rely on official admissions websites for the most accurate information. Position yourself strategically: submit scores if they add value; skip them if they don’t.