Test-Optional College Admissions Are Changing: How Should Your Child Prepare?

Over the past few years, many colleges have adopted test-optional policies. For a time, students could apply without submitting SAT or ACT scores. Now, that landscape is shifting.

A growing number of colleges and universities are once again requiring standardized test scores as part of the admissions process. For families, this change can feel confusing and even stressful. If your child has not been planning to take the SAT or ACT and wants to go to college, you may be wondering what to do next.

At Huntington Learning Center, we help families navigate these changes with clarity and confidence. Here is what you need to know and how to prepare your child for college admissions success.

Why Are Colleges Bringing Back SAT and ACT Requirements?

Colleges evaluate many factors during admissions, including grades, coursework, extracurricular activities, and essays. Standardized test scores provide an additional data point that helps schools compare applicants from different high schools and academic backgrounds across the country.

Some of the reasons colleges are reinstating testing requirements include:

• A need for consistent benchmarks across applicants
• Concerns about grade inflation
• A better predictor of college readiness

While not every school has returned to requiring test scores, the trend is moving in that direction. For many students, strong SAT or ACT results are once again a key part of a competitive application process.

What Shifting Test-Optional College Admission Policies Mean for Current High School Students

If your child is in middle school or high school, this shift matters now. Even if their target colleges are currently test-optional, policies can change quickly.

Here is what this means in practical terms:

• Plan that your child’s preferred schools will want to see ACT or SAT scores
• If not required, strong test scores will still strengthen your child’s application because schools can see the student’s overall academic strength on a nationally-consistent benchmark
• Even if not required, colleges frequently use test scores to determine scholarship eligibility, academic advising assignments, and some course placements
• It is likely that more colleges will require some form of standardized test scores in the coming years
• Preparing earlier in high school can reduce stress in junior or senior year

In short, it is better to be prepared and have strong scores available than to need them and feel rushed.

In short, when it comes to test prep and taking the SAT or ACT, it is better to start early, plan ahead and be prepared.  Strong scores don’t happen at the last minute while students are feeling rushed.

Is it Better for High School Students to Take the SAT or ACT?

If your child is unsure which test to take, the best approach is to start with a academic evaluation. This helps identify whether the SAT or ACT is a better fit based on their strengths.

Approaching college admissions with a strategy for which test to take and when to take it, is key for maximizing both results and admission chances.

At Huntington Learning Center, we offer SAT and ACT evaluations that guide families toward the right testing strategy from the start.

When Should Your Child Start Preparing for the ACT or SAT?

Timing matters. Starting test prep early allows for a more consistent, a more structured and a less stressful experience, as well as makes the tests more familiar and less intimidating.

General timeline for ACT/SAT prep & testing:

8th to 9th grade

• Build strong reading and math foundations
• Begin developing study habits
• Strong students seeking admission to the most competitive schools may want to consider taking a PSAT or PreACT.

10th grade

• Take a practice SAT or ACT
• Identify strengths and areas for improvement
• Build a plan to improve on areas of opportunity identified by the practice test(s)
• Consider taking the official test once

11th grade

• Take the PSAT/NMSQT for practice and to qualify for National Merit Scholarship opportunities
• Begin focused test preparation or continue with test optimization
• Take the official test one to two times
• After each test, review areas of opportunity and build plans to address those

12th grade

• Final opportunity to improve scores if needed

Starting early gives your child time to improve gradually, rather than cramming at the last minute. Students applying to the most competitive schools will likely want to have their best scores in hand by the end of 11^th grade, which requires starting a bit earlier. Students who want to apply to less-competitive schools have more opportunities to wait but shouldn’t wait too long.

Waiting until the fall test dates of senior year is likely to increase testing stress on those dates, as they’re widely seen as “last chance” dates for fall college admissions the following year.

Find a full timeline of what students should do each year to prepare for the ACT & SAT.

How to Prepare Effectively for the ACT or SAT

Not all test preparation is the same. The most successful students follow a clear, consistent and structured plan.

1. Start With an Academic Evaluation

Before beginning prep, it is important to understand your child’s baseline. An academic evaluation reveals:

• Current likely score range
• Strengths and weaknesses
• Which test is the better fit

This step ensures that preparation is targeted and efficient, as well as focused on the areas most likely to give your child the best opportunity for success.

2. Build a Personalized ACT or SAT Study Plan

Every student is different. A one-size-fits-all approach often leads to frustration.

An effective plan should include:

• Specific goals
• A realistic timeline
• An understanding of optimal test strategies
• Focused practice in key areas

Personalized instruction helps students make meaningful progress.

3. Focus on ACT & SAT Test Strategy, Not Just Content

The SAT and ACT are not just tests of knowledge. They are also tests of test-taking strategy.

Students benefit from learning how to:

• Manage time effectively
• Approach different question types
• Know if they should guess or skip a question and come back to it later
• Avoid common test-taking mistakes

These skills can significantly improve scores.

4. Practice SAT and ACT Skills Consistently

Consistency is more effective than intensity. Short, regular practice sessions are better than occasional long sessions.

Aim for:

• Several shorter sessions per week
• Ongoing review of mistakes
• Ongoing review of areas that are improving
• Gradual improvement over time

This approach builds confidence and reduces anxiety.

5. Prepare for Test Day

Test day performance matters. Students should feel comfortable with the format, pacing, and environment well before the day of the official test.

Preparation should include:

• Full-length practice tests
• Familiarity with timing
• Strategies for staying calm and focused

Confidence on test day can make a meaningful difference in results.

Common SAT and ACT Prep Mistakes to Avoid

As testing requirements return, many families are navigating this process for the first time. Avoiding common mistakes can save time and stress.

Waiting Too Long to Start ACT or SAT Prep

Last-minute preparation limits improvement and increases pressure. Having official scores earlier that students are happy with allows them to take the pressure off later test dates, which can yield even better scores later.

Choosing the Wrong Test

Without an evaluation, students may spend time preparing for a test that does not match their strengths. Understanding which test the student is likely to do better on earlier maximizes the chances of optimal scores on the best test for the student.

Relying Only on Self-Study

While self-study can help, many students benefit from expert guidance and accountability.

Ignoring Test Strategy

Understanding the test format and pacing is just as important as knowing the material.

How ACT or SAT Tutoring Can Make a Difference

Personalized test prep can provide structure, consistency, support, and measurable results.

At Huntington Learning Center, our approach is designed to help students succeed by focusing on their individual needs.

We offer:

• Comprehensive academic evaluation
• Customized study plans
• One-on-one or small group instruction
• Proven strategies for improving test performance

Our programs are built to help students gain confidence and achieve their best possible scores.

Why Starting ACT & SAT Prep Now Is Important

The return of SAT and ACT requirements is changing the admissions landscape. Families who prepare early will have a clear advantage.

By starting now, your child can:

• Build skills gradually
• Reduce stress and anxiety
• Approach testing with confidence
• Strengthen their college applications

Preparation is not just about a test score. It is about opening doors to future opportunities.

How to Start Preparing for the SAT or ACT

If your child has not yet started preparing for the SAT or ACT, now is the time to begin. The earlier you start, the more options your child will have.

At Huntington Learning Center, we are here to guide you every step of the way. From academic evaluations to personalized instruction, we help students reach their full potential.

Contact Huntington Learning Center today to schedule an assessment and create a plan that sets your child up for success.