Should You Submit Your ACT or SAT Score? A 2026 Guide for College Applicants
As the college admissions landscape continues to evolve, one question remains top of mind for many students: Should I submit my ACT or SAT score? With test-optional policies still in place at many schools—but not all—making the right decision can significantly impact your application.
Here’s how to decide whether submitting your ACT or SAT score is the right move for you in 2026.
🎯 Key Factors to Consider
| Factor | Submit ACT OR SAT | Consider Not Submitting |
|---|---|---|
| Your Score vs. School Average | If your score is at or above the school’s middle 50% range | If your score is below the school’s average |
| School Policy | Required or test-preferred schools (e.g., Harvard, Stanford, Yale) | Fully test-optional or test-blind schools |
| Strength of Other Materials | If your GPA, essays, and extracurriculars are solid but not standout | If you have exceptional grades, leadership, or unique experiences |
| Intended Major | STEM or business programs may value quantitative scores | Arts, humanities, or test-blind programs may not require them |
| Scholarship Opportunities | Many merit scholarships still consider SAT scores | Some schools offer test-blind scholarships |
🏛️ 2026 Testing Policy Trends
- Reinstated Requirements: Top schools like Harvard, Stanford, Yale, and UPenn have brought back SAT/ACT requirements for the 2025–2026 cycle.
- Still Test-Optional: Many liberal arts colleges and public universities continue to offer test-optional pathways.
- Test-Blind Exceptions: A few institutions, like the University of California system, remain test-blind, meaning they do not consider scores at all.
📝 Strategic Advice
- Research Each School’s Policy: Don’t assume—check the admissions page for every college on your list.
- Superscoring: Some colleges accept your best section scores across multiple test dates—check each school’s policy.
- Use Score Ranges as a Benchmark: If your score is in the top 25% of admitted students to your target schools, it’s very likely worth submitting.
- Don’t Skip Testing Entirely: Even if you’re unsure, taking the ACT or SAT gives you options—especially if policies change.
🧠 Final Thoughts
Submitting your ACT or SAT score is no longer a one-size-fits-all decision. In 2026, it’s a strategic choice that depends on your academic profile, target schools, and the strength of your overall application. When in doubt, take the test and decide later whether to submit—having the option is better than not.