Next up in our Insider’s Guide to College Admissions series, we’re answering questions about the SATs and ACTs, like their relative importance, whether they matter more or less than your GPA, and whether “test-optional” schools really are.  Here to answer: Insider Alyse Levine, top college counselor and founder of Premium Prep.

Q: If my SAT scores aren’t the best, will my grades make up for it? And are test-optional colleges my best bet?

SAT vs ACT? Which should I take?
Generally speaking, the SAT and ACT are seen equally by colleges, so it’s up to you which test you take and submit. Many students perform better on one over the other, so taking assessments and diagnostic tests to determine the best option for you is a good starting point.

High SAT/Low GPA or High GPA/Low SAT? Which is better?
A student’s grades in their classes, along with the rigor of those courses, is always going to be the most important piece of the admissions process. Colleges want to see students doing well in tough classes. Strong testing can play an important role in the process and help confirm your academic success, but strong scores likely won’t impress colleges if your grades are low.

Likewise, if a college has an average ACT score between 32-34, your strong grades likely will not outweigh a score well below that average. It’s all about balance, which is why test-optional admission has been such a game changer for so many strong students who do not perform well on standardized tests.

Are test-optional schools truly test optional? Will that help me if my test scores aren’t the highest?
As a result of educational changes at the start of the Covid pandemic, more than 70% of America’s 4-year colleges announced test-optional admission policies, including over 90% of the most “selective” schools. Other schools had already been moving in that direction. And now, some are swinging back. So as for whether test-optional schools are “truly” test-optional, this is always a tricky question and honestly… it depends!

I suggest starting with each school’s specific policy so you know the basics of their requirements, but it’s crucial to also look beyond their messaging — investigate what percentage of accepted students actually did submit their test scores.

I really believe schools are trying to uphold their policies as best as possible, but the reality is that some institutions do favor students with strong test scores. That’s why it’s important to look deeper.

Here are some resources to help:

Fairtest.org is the best resource for following the latest on school’s policies on standardized testing. Bookmark this page, as these policies are changing quickly — some schools are returning to requiring tests, others remaining test optional permanently and the vast majority that are currently test optional but haven’t made a decision on their ongoing testing policy.

Compass Prep is one of the leading test prep companies in the nation, and has done quite a bit of research on different policies along with providing commentary and analysis of each school’s test policy announcement.

Jon Boeckenstedt’s Admissions Weblog is written by the Vice Provost of Enrollment Management at Oregon State University, and a the thought leader in the college admissions field, in particular on test-optional policies. This post in particular provides a lot of information. His blog is highly engaging, and worth following.

Alyse Levine is one of the foremost college counseling experts in the country, and Founder & CEO of our partner for this series, Premium Prep. She was previously Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions at Washington University in St. Louis,  Associate Director of College Counseling at The Dalton School in New York City, and Associate Director of College Counseling at the Dwight–Englewood School, in Englewood, New Jersey.

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Check out answers to other college admissions questions Alyse has answered:
A grade-by-grade guide to college admissions: What should you be doing and when?
How do you know if a college is a good fit? 
Should I apply Early Decision to a college?
How do I know if a college will provide a safe environment for me?
Summer job or internship?
What do you do if you have the one tough teacher who gives bad grades? — And other top student questions
How can I help my student identify and develop their passions?