College Counseling Blog | The Dunham School, Baton Rouge, LA

In recent admissions cycles, higher education has witnessed a dynamic evolution in standardized testing policies. According to the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), over 80% of four-year institutions currently use test-optional or test-blind policies. However, several selective universities have recently reinstated test-required mandates, citing internal research from the College Board and ACT that standardized test scores—when evaluated alongside high school GPA—strongly predict undergraduate academic success.

Understanding how admissions committees evaluate test scores within a holistic review framework is essential for every high school family. Holistic review means that no single metric, whether a 1600 SAT or a 4.0 GPA, guarantees admission. Instead, file readers evaluate academic rigor, extracurricular engagement, personal essays, recommendations, and individual context within the context of your high school.

When deciding whether to submit test scores under a test-optional policy, use the "middle 50%" rule of thumb recommended by admissions experts:

1. Submit if your score falls within or above the institution's published middle 50% range for admitted students. Scores in this bracket reinforce your academic profile.
2. Consider withholding scores if they fall below the 25th percentile, particularly if your unweighted GPA and course rigor (AP, Dual Enrollment) represent your academic capability more favorably.
3. Analyze program-specific requirements. Majors such as engineering, computer science, nursing, or direct-admit business programs may strongly prefer or require standardized testing even if the university is test-optional.

For 9th and 10th graders, the best strategy remains focusing on core academic mastery, as high school transcripts remain the single most important factor in college admissions. For 11th and 12th graders, strategic test selection and thoughtful submission choices allow you to highlight your strongest academic assets. 

Ultimately, test-optional policies give students ownership: you control your academic story and how it’s presented.