SAT and ACT Prep Is Rising Again: What Parents Need to Know About College Readiness

For several years, many families assumed standardized tests were becoming less important in college admissions. But that trend is shifting. 

As more selective colleges reinstate testing requirements and scholarships continue to rely on strong scores, interest in SAT and ACT preparation is rising again. At the same time, parents are asking a broader question: Is my child truly prepared for college-level work? 

A nationwide survey of Huntington Learning Center franchise locations conducted in June 2026 highlights just how much that question is weighing on families. 

Why SAT and ACT Prep Is Increasing Again

Even though many schools remain test-optional, standardized tests are far from irrelevant. 

• Some highly selective colleges have brought back testing requirements 

• SAT and ACT scores still play a role in merit-based scholarships 

• Scores provide a consistent benchmark across different schools and grading systems 

Because of this, more families are reconsidering whether their student should take the SAT or ACT, and how to prepare effectively. 

In fact, 46% of Huntington Learning Center locations report an increase in SAT and ACT prep inquiries over the past year. 

For many families, test prep is no longer optional. It’s part of staying competitive. 

Parents Are Questioning Grades and Academic Readiness

One of the clearest insights from the Huntington survey is that parents are looking beyond report cards. 

• 85% of centers say parents are concerned grades may not reflect true ability 

• 61% of centers report larger academic skill gaps than just two years ago 

This reflects a growing concern around grade inflation and inconsistent academic standards. When grades feel less reliable, parents look for other ways to measure progress, and standardized tests are one of the most recognizable tools. 

Search trends have mirrored this shift, with more parents researching topics like: 

• “Do SAT scores still matter?” 

• “Are test-optional colleges really test optional?” 

• “How to prepare for the SAT or ACT” 

The underlying issue is clear: families want a more objective way to evaluate readiness. 

The Bigger Issue: Gaps in Math and Reading Skills 

While interest in test prep tutoring is increasing, the deeper concern is academic readiness overall. 

Huntington centers report: 

• 80% see increased concern about math readiness 

• 70% say students are less prepared for advanced math in high school 

• 61% report higher demand for reading support 

These trends point to a broader need for academic tutoring, not just test prep. 

Students aren’t just preparing for an exam, they’re often catching up on foundational skills that impact: 

• Classroom performance 

• Confidence in challenging subjects 

• Long-term college success 

For many families, SAT or ACT prep becomes the starting point for addressing larger academic gaps. 

When Should Students Start Preparing for the SAT or ACT? 

A common mistake families make is waiting too long. 

Many students don’t begin thinking about college test preparation until junior year. By then, there’s less time to improve both skills and scores. 

Starting earlier allows students to: 

• Build stronger math and reading foundations 

• Develop better study habits 

• Reduce stress around testing 

• Achieve higher SAT or ACT scores over time 

Early preparation doesn’t mean more pressure. It creates more flexibility and better outcomes. 

Test Prep Alone Isn’t Enough 

Effective SAT and ACT preparation today looks different than it did in the past. 

Students need more than practice tests and strategies. They often benefit from support in: 

• Core academic skills (math, reading, writing) 

• Time management and study habits 

• Focus and executive functioning 

• Confidence and motivation 

That’s why many families are turning to personalized tutoring programs that combine academic support with test prep. 

How Personalized Tutoring Supports College Readiness 

With so much uncertainty around grading, testing, and admissions policies, personalization matters more than ever. 

At Huntington Learning Center, students start with a comprehensive academic evaluation to identify strengths and gaps. From there, a customized plan helps them: 

• Strengthen foundational skills 

• Improve school performance 

• Prepare for the SAT or ACT 

• Build confidence over time 

This approach ensures that test prep is connected to real academic progress, not just short-term score gains. 

Take a Proactive Approach to College Preparation

As the next school year approaches, now is the time to get ahead. 

Whether your student plans to submit test scores or apply to test-optional colleges, understanding their academic readiness early can make a meaningful difference. 

Families who act sooner have more time to: 

• Improve grades and skills 

• Prepare for standardized tests 

• Explore college options with confidence 

If you’re wondering whether your child is on track, starting with a clear assessment is the best next step, find the closest Huntington to you, https://huntingtonhelps.com/location/.  

To learn more about Huntington’s tutoring and SAT/ACT prep programs, call 1 800 CAN LEARN or visit www.huntingtonhelps.com.