Five ways test scores boost college admissions chances

Why ACT scores are declining: causes, trends, and what students should do

ACT scores have been declining across the U.S., but what does that actually mean for your college admissions strategy?

If you’re a student, parent, or counselor navigating test-optional policies, understanding why ACT scores are dropping and how colleges are responding can help you make smarter decisions about test prep and score submission.

Why are ACT scores going down?

National ACT averages have declined over the past several years, raising concerns among educators and admissions professionals.

Several key factors are driving this trend:

• Pandemic-related learning disruptions that impacted foundational skills
• Shifting academic standards and inconsistent grading practices
• Expanded access to testing, bringing in a broader range of test-takers
• Test-optional policies, which reduced incentives for intensive preparation

Key takeaway: Lower average scores don’t necessarily mean students are less capable, but they do mean strong scores stand out more than ever.

What declining ACT scores mean for college admissions

As average scores drop, the relative value of a high ACT score increases.

Colleges still use standardized tests to:

• Compare students across different schools and grading systems
• Validate GPA and academic rigor
• Predict college readiness and first-year performance

A 2023 NACAC survey found that more than half of admissions officers at test-optional schools still consider test scores helpful, especially for students from unfamiliar schools.

What this means for you:
A strong ACT score can be a differentiator, even at test-optional colleges.

Should students still submit ACT scores?

Yes, if your score is competitive.

When you should submit your ACT score

• Your score falls within or above the middle 50% range of your target schools
• Your GPA is average or harder to interpret
• You’re applying for merit scholarships or honors programs
• You want to strengthen a less distinctive application

When you might skip submitting

• Your score is well below a school’s typical range
• Your GPA and coursework are already very strong
• You’re applying to truly test-blind institutions

Research from the University of Georgia shows that students who submit strong test scores often have higher admission rates than similar applicants who do not.

Key takeaway: Test-optional does not mean test-irrelevant.

The GPA illusion: why grades alone may not reflect readiness

GPA has long been a cornerstone of college admissions, but grade inflation is making it less reliable.

From 2010 to 2021:

• Average U.S. high school GPA rose from 3.17 to 3.36
• Meanwhile, ACT and SAT scores declined or stagnated

This creates a growing gap between grades and actual academic skills.

Why this matters

• False confidence: Students may overestimate their readiness
• Increased scrutiny: Colleges question what grades really represent
• Hidden skill gaps: Students may struggle once they reach college

Key takeaway: A strong GPA is important, but pairing it with a solid ACT score provides stronger evidence of readiness.

When standardized tests matter most

In a test-optional landscape, some students benefit even more from submitting ACT scores.

Student groups who should strongly consider testing

• Student-athletes: Coaches and admissions teams rely on scores to confirm academic eligibility
• Online or homeschool students: Tests provide a standardized benchmark
• International applicants: Scores offer a common metric across different education systems
• Students from less-known schools: Scores help validate academic performance

Key takeaway: The less standardized your academic background, the more valuable a standardized test score becomes.

How AP, IB, and other credentials fit in

As admissions evolve, colleges are placing more weight on alternative academic indicators like:

• Advanced Placement (AP) courses and exam scores
• International Baccalaureate (IB) programs
• Dual enrollment and rigorous coursework

Strong performance in these areas can demonstrate college readiness, especially if you don’t submit ACT scores.

However, access to these programs varies widely.

What colleges look for instead:

• Did you take the most rigorous courses available to you?
• Did you perform well within your academic environment?

Key takeaway: Rigor + performance matters more than access alone, but test scores can still provide valuable context.

Policy changes and the renewed importance of preparation

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, many colleges have adopted test-optional policies. As a result, fewer students prioritized test prep, contributing to declining national scores.

But the landscape is shifting again.

Some highly selective schools, including MIT, have reinstated test requirements, signaling continued confidence in standardized testing.

What this means for students

• Skipping test prep can limit your college options
• Fewer high scorers means top scores stand out more
• Strong ACT results can unlock scholarships and admissions advantages

Action step:
Check testing policies for every school on your list: don’t assume they’re all the same.

How to respond: a smarter ACT strategy

If you’re planning for college admissions, here’s how to approach ACT testing strategically:

1. Take a diagnostic test early

Understand your baseline score and identify weak areas.

2. Set a target score

Aim for the middle 50% range of your top-choice schools.

3. Create a focused study plan

Prioritize high-impact areas like math fundamentals, reading speed, and grammar rules.

4. Retake strategically

Most students improve with a second or third attempt.

5. Decide on submission strategically

Use score ranges, not guesswork, to guide your decision.

ACT score trends at a glance

• National ACT averages have declined in recent years
• High school GPAs are rising despite stagnant test scores
• More colleges are test-optional, but not test-blind
• Strong scores are becoming more valuable, not less

The continued value of ACT scores

Despite changes in admissions policies, one fact remains:

Strong ACT scores still matter.

They provide:

• A consistent, objective measure of ability
• A way to stand out in a crowded applicant pool
• Evidence of readiness beyond GPA

This is especially important for students whose transcripts may not fully reflect their potential.

Final thoughts: what students and families should do next

ACT scores may be declining nationwide, but that creates an opportunity.

Students who invest in preparation and submit strong scores can gain a meaningful edge in college admissions.

Bottom line:

• Don’t ignore standardized testing
• Use scores strategically
• Combine strong academics with measurable performance

Want to improve your ACT score?
Start with a diagnostic test, build a targeted study plan, and focus on consistent practice. A higher score could open more doors than you think.