Discover hidden advantages with SAT and ACT scores

What students gain from preparing for the ACT and SAT

How test prep can strengthen college applications, unlock scholarships, and build lifelong skills

Key insights

• Submitting strong SAT or ACT scores still matters by validating academic achievement and strengthening competitive college applications.
• Even at test-optional colleges, many scholarships and honors programs continue to rely heavily on standardized test scores.
• Effective ACT and SAT preparation goes beyond academics, helping students build time management, resilience, and self-awareness.

Preparing for college entrance exams like the ACT and SAT has become a defining part of the high school experience. As students juggle coursework, extracurriculars, jobs, and personal commitments, many families ask the same question: Is test prep still worth it in a test-optional world?

The answer depends on goals, but for many students, preparing for and submitting test scores offers meaningful advantages. From admissions clarity to financial aid opportunities and personal growth, ACT and SAT prep continue to play a strategic role in college planning. Below, we explore why.

The strategic value of submitting test scores

With more colleges adopting test-optional admissions policies, it’s natural to wonder whether taking the ACT or SAT is necessary. However, strong test scores still offer clear benefits in the admissions process.

High school grades can vary widely between schools. A 4.0 GPA at one school may reflect a very different level of rigor than a 4.0 GPA at another, and grade inflation has become an increasing concern nationwide. Standardized tests help colleges evaluate students on a common scale, regardless of school or location.

Submitting SAT or ACT scores can be especially helpful if you:

• Attend a lesser-known high school
• Have limited access to advanced or AP coursework
• Are applying to competitive or selective programs
• Plan to major in STEM and want to highlight strong math or science skills
• Are an international applicant comparing your academic readiness to U.S. standards

Test scores can also support applications to honors colleges, special academic pathways, and selective majors that still prefer or require them.

Deciding whether to submit scores should be a strategic choice. If your results fall below a college’s typical range, withholding them may make sense. At the same time, for students whose scores strengthen their profile, submitting them can reinforce academic readiness and create new opportunities.

Unlocking scholarships and financial aid

Even as admissions policies evolve, standardized test scores remain critical for many merit-based scholarships and financial aid programs.

According to the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), a majority of public universities still consider ACT or SAT scores when awarding merit scholarships. In some cases, students who meet specific score thresholds automatically qualify for awards worth $5,000, $10,000, or more per year.

Why do scholarships still rely on test scores?

• They offer a standardized, efficient way to evaluate applicants from diverse educational backgrounds
• State-funded programs often mandate minimum ACT or SAT scores
• Colleges use scores to distribute limited merit funds fairly

For families focused on affordability, this is a crucial consideration. Applying test-optional for admission does not always mean test-optional for scholarships. Not submitting scores can unintentionally disqualify you from significant financial awards.

To maximize scholarship opportunities:

• Research each college’s scholarship criteria carefully
• Identify awards that require or favor test scores
• Note any automatic scholarships tied to score benchmarks

In many cases, a strong ACT or SAT score can directly reduce college costs, making test prep a high-return investment.

Building skills and growth through preparation

ACT and SAT preparation delivers benefits that extend far beyond the final score.

Preparing for standardized tests helps students develop skills that strongly predict college success, including:

• Time management and planning
• Goal-setting and self-discipline
• Perseverance and resilience
• Self-reflection and strategic thinking

Balancing test prep with school and extracurriculars mirrors the demands students will face in college. Establishing a study routine, tracking progress, and adapting strategies are habits that directly translate into higher education and future careers.

While skipping standardized tests may reduce short-term stress, it can also mean missing early opportunities to build these essential skills or losing access to scholarships that ease long-term financial pressure.

When students approach ACT or SAT prep as a growth experience rather than a checkbox, the benefits multiply. Families and educators can support this mindset by framing preparation as skill-building rather than just score-chasing.

Standardized tests in a test-optional world: Making smart choices

Test-optional admissions have expanded access to higher education, but they haven’t eliminated the value of the ACT and SAT. Strong scores can still help students:

• Stand out in competitive applicant pools
• Strengthen academic credibility
• Qualify for scholarships and honors programs
• Increase college affordability

For students targeting selective colleges or aiming to reduce tuition costs, submitting test scores often opens doors that would otherwise remain closed.

The admissions landscape continues to change, so staying informed is crucial. Research college policies, understand scholarship requirements, and seek guidance when needed. While opting out of standardized testing may seem appealing, thoughtful preparation and strategic score submission can offer lasting advantages.

Ultimately, approaching the ACT and SAT with intention, grounded in research, self-awareness, and personal growth, sets students up not only for college admissions success but for life beyond graduation.