In recent years, the term “test optional” has become central to how families think about college admissions, in part because the COVID‑19 pandemic disrupted access to testing and led many institutions to relax score requirements. What was widely expected to be a temporary adjustment became a lasting policy that has both puzzled families and reshaped application strategies.
Even as some colleges relaxed formal testing requirements, an increasing number of students and families elected to submit their scores, underscoring the perennial value placed on standardized testing in the admissions process. According to the Common App’s Mid-Season report for the 2024‑25 cycle, the number of applicants reporting standardized test scores grew by approximately 12 percent compared to the previous year, marking a notable uptick in score submission among applicants. Similar to last year, when the number of applicants using test scores also climbed, the biggest growth came among students targeting LESS competitive schools, with admit rates greater than 25%. (commonapp.org)
Institutional decisions also highlight the continued relevance of testing. Penn, Stanford and Carnegie Mellon University, for instance, are phasing out test optional for students applying to those schools this coming fall. Public universities such as Purdue, Ohio State, Florida, Tennessee and Georgia all require test scores now. These actions reflect a growing recognition among selective institutions that standardized scores provide valuable context when evaluating students from varied schools and curricula.
Standardized test results, much like Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate scores, offer admissions professionals an additional, objective measure of academic preparedness that complements grades and coursework. While no single element defines a student’s potential, strong test scores can enhance the student’s demonstrated record of success, clarify academic strengths, and support admissions and scholarship decisions in competitive applicant pools.
At Flying Colors, we believe the goal of the admissions process is to help students present the strongest, most complete picture of themselves. Providing admissions counselors with credible evidence of academic capability supports more informed, confident evaluations and broadens the range of opportunities available to students.
Understanding the continued importance of testing naturally raises a question about timing: when is the optimal moment to begin? February presents a unique opportunity to current high school juniors who may be looking ahead to upcoming in-school testing at their high schools or spring national ACTs or SATs. It is a wonderful time to a student’s academic profile, establish a realistic baseline, and plan next steps with intention rather than urgency. This approach allows students to improve steadily, make informed choices about additional support or tutoring, and approach spring or summer testing with confidence.
As always, Flying Colors’ education directors in Edina, Eden Prairie, Plymouth and St. Paul are ready to talk to you about getting started or getting ready for a second attempt at testing. And for those families whose students have a learning difference or attention disorder, our LD/ADHD team is available to assist as well.
Please let us know how we can help.
Ron Michalak
President & Founder, Flying Colors Prep