LOS ALAMITOS, Calif. — During the COVID-19 pandemic and the aftermath, the majority of universities eliminated the SAT and ACT requirement. Today, however, some colleges are seeking to reinstate the standardized testing process. Still, some institutions, such as those affiliated with the University of California and California State University systems, no longer consider potential students based on their SAT or ACT scores.
The SAT and ACT are used to view a student’s aptitude and college readiness compared to other high school students across the country. These tests can help admissions officers determine the difference between high school students beyond their transcripts. Admissions officers are able to see that the true comparison between students from different backgrounds is an aptitude test, administered to students in the form of the ACT or SAT.
Cal States and UC campuses are now test-blind, meaning they will not look at or consider SAT or ACT scores in the admission process. However, other schools, such as private schools, may consider scores when choosing to accept or deny applicants.
“Data suggests that students who do submit scores are admitted at higher rates. That might be because those students already have stronger applications overall, but it also shows that scores can provide colleges with one more data point in your favor,” said Rey Barceló, an LAHS alumnus and current SAT/ACT tutor.
UC campuses no longer consider SAT or ACT scores when making admissions decisions or awarding scholarships. Test scores submitted as part of the application may be used as an alternate method of fulfilling minimum requirements for eligibility or for course placement after matriculation at a UC campus.
Before the pandemic, there was already an interest in shifting away from the traditional requirement for standardized testing to test-optional. After the pandemic, any students seeking to take these tests were no longer required to do so, as they were unable to go to a testing center to take the tests. This shift created a harsh push away from consideration of test scores.
“Harvard, Yale, Caltech, and Georgetown, for example, all require test scores again as of 2025, and many more schools are expected to follow suit in 2026,” said Rey Barceló.
Even though the test scores may not help students get into college, a high score could award students a scholarship and some schools, like the Cal States, may use scores to place students into the appropriate class.
The ACT is commonly characterized as being better situated for students who are stronger in math, because of the tougher math questions, as well as a science section. Meanwhile, the SAT only includes a math and English section.
“You’re doing more reading with the SAT,” Los Alamitos High School guidance counselor Mrs. Schaeffer said. “(The) ACT is more straightforward; they are seeing how well you remember (being in) the classroom.”
Overall, it is up to the students to decide whether or not they want to take either test. Students should take into consideration if the cost of testing is worth it for students and their families. Students can take into consideration if they plan to apply to UC campuses and Cal States or if they are hoping to attend a private school, such as Loyola Marymount, a private school that may consider test scores. But students can always take one just in case!
“Some advice I have for future test takers is to use the process of elimination to get the right answers for multiple-choice questions. If there are four options, it is almost guaranteed that two will be throw-away answers and the final two will be difficult to decipher,” said LAHS senior Dane Hoffman.
Correction: This version was updated Sep. 16 with the addition of Rey Barceló´s description, an LAHS alumnus and current SAT/ACT tutor
