In recent years, many students celebrated the shift to test-optional admissions. Colleges across the United States assured applicants that strong essays, grades, and activities could stand on their own. But new data from the Common App’s End-of-Season Report (2024–25) shows a clear trend: more students are choosing to submit standardized test scores again.
A Reversal in Score-Reporting Trends
For the first time since 2021–22, the number of students reporting test scores grew faster than those not reporting. In fact, score reporters increased by 12%, while the number of students applying without scores actually declined slightly (less than 1%).
This shift happened even though only 5% of Common App member colleges required test scores this year, up just one point from last year’s 4%. In other words, most students weren’t forced to submit scores—they chose to.
Who Is Submitting Scores?
The report also looked at score-reporting behaviors across different student groups:
- First-generation and underrepresented minority (URM) students are still more likely to apply without test scores.
- Low-income students (measured by fee waiver eligibility or living in below-median income ZIP codes) also lean toward applying test-optional.
- Yet within all these groups, the number of score submitters grew faster than non-submitters.
That suggests students across demographics are deciding that having a solid SAT or ACT result can strengthen their application, even if colleges don’t require it.
Why the Shift?
Several factors may explain this turn:
- Selective colleges are reinstating test requirements. Even though only 5% of Common App schools require scores, those include some high-profile institutions. Students aiming for the most competitive schools know scores may matter.
- Test-optional ≠ test-ignored. Admissions offices often state that strong scores can still help, especially if grades are inconsistent or come from less-known high schools.
- Strategic advantage. With application numbers hitting record highs—over 10 million applications submitted this season—students may see test scores as one more way to stand out.
What This Means for Applicants
The data suggests a new norm: optional doesn’t mean irrelevant. Students should plan to take the SAT or ACT at least once, then decide whether their score helps their application.
- If your score is strong compared to the admitted range at your target colleges, submit it.
- If it falls below, you can still apply test-optional without penalty.
But given the trend, many students clearly believe that sending a score—when it’s solid—adds weight to their application.
Bottom Line
The Common App report makes one thing clear: the pendulum is swinging back toward standardized tests as part of the admissions toolkit. Students no longer see the SAT or ACT as an outdated relic; instead, they see it as a choice—one that can provide an edge in an increasingly competitive admissions landscape.
