Recent policy changes around standardised tests have taken students by surprise. 

After years of going test-optional, many highly selective colleges are reinstating the SAT requirement. Schools like Yale, Dartmouth, MIT, and even Stanford have announced they will once again require standardised test scores for upcoming admission cycles. 

The University of Texas at Austin has also joined the lineup, making standardised test scores part of its first-year application process again.

For some, this feels like a step backwards. But for others, it’s a chance to prove academic readiness in a clear, measurable way. Either way, the change is big, and it’s sparking plenty of questions as to what is driving these decisions. 

Here, we’ll explore why these top schools are reinstating the SAT. Dive in, then! 

Test-Optional Was a Pandemic Experiment, Not a Forever Plan

The decision to make the SAT optional was not a permanent choice for many schools. Instead, it was a quick, temporary solution to an emergency. 

When the pandemic hit in 2020, testing centres were closed. This made it nearly impossible for high school students to take the SAT safely. Colleges had to adapt their admissions policies fast. To be fair to applicants, they temporarily suspended the SAT requirement. 

But many schools were clear that this was not a forever plan. Yale, for instance, made it clear that the change would be in effect during the 2020-2021 admissions cycle. All transfer applicants and first-year applicants applying for fall 2022 and beyond were required to submit their ACT or SAT scores.  

It was not just Yale; Dartmouth and Cornell had also announced that their new policies would only last for one year. 

The intention was always to go back to the old way of doing things once the world returned to normal. As the pandemic has receded, so has the original reason for going test-optional. Therefore, the return of the SAT was a natural next step.

Data Shows Test Scores Can Predict Success

During the test-optional years, colleges had a chance to run a big experiment. They could see how students admitted without test scores performed. What they found was a powerful argument for bringing the tests back. 

New research has shown a clear link between test scores and how well a student does in college. Specifically, a faculty-led review at Stanford found a meaningful connection between a student’s test score and their academic outcomes at the university.

This data goes beyond simple grades. Research from sources like Opportunity Insights found that students with higher ACT or SAT scores tended to have higher first-year college GPAs. This was true even for students who had the same high school grades. 

The research found that a student with a perfect SAT score of 1600 earned a college GPA that was 0.43 points higher than a student with an SAT score of 1200. These findings confirm that test scores can provide a useful look at a student’s academic potential. 

When a college looks at both grades and test scores, it gets a more complete picture of who will succeed in its challenging classes.

Data from Test-Optional Years Changed Minds

The test-optional policy was supposed to make things fairer. However, colleges discovered some surprising side effects. 

They saw that many students played a game of strategic disclosure. Students with high scores had submitted them to get an advantage. Students with low scores simply had chosen not to. So, colleges had an incomplete picture of many applicants.

The data revealed a clear admission advantage for those who submitted a strong score. At some schools, the acceptance rate for students who submitted scores was double that of students who didn’t. This showed that the test-optional policy was often not truly optional for competitive applicants.

Many top schools conducted their own internal research during this time. They all found similar results. 

UT Austin is an excellent example. It found that students who submitted scores performed significantly better in their first semester. They earned an estimated 0.86 grade points higher on average than students who did not. 

UT Austin’s data showed that students who submitted scores were also 55% less likely to have a first-semester GPA below 2.0. This data proved that test scores are a valuable tool for predicting who will succeed in college.

3 Tips to Help You Succeed in the SAT

If your dream schools are reinstating the SAT requirement or if they are still test-optional but you want to stand out, here’s how to prepare without burning out:

1. Start Preparing Early

Achieving a score within the 1400-1600 range significantly enhances your chances of getting admitted into well-regarded US colleges. 

But you can’t reach that score by cramming formulas the night before. Starting your SAT preparation early, ideally six months to a year before your test date, gives you space to understand the exam format, identify your strengths and weaknesses, and improve at a steady pace. 

Early preparation also means you can spread out your study sessions, which makes the process less stressful and more effective.

2. Take Full-Length Practice Tests in Real Conditions

One of the best ways to beat test-day nerves is to make your practice feel exactly like the real SAT. 

Set aside a quiet block of about three hours, follow official timing rules, and use only approved materials. This helps you get used to the pacing, stamina, and focus the SAT demands. 

Simulating real conditions also trains your brain to stay sharp even in the last section, when fatigue usually hits. Review every mistake carefully afterwards. Taking these SAT practice tests regularly will make the real exam feel routine, so you’ll be calm, confident, and prepared to perform your best.

3. Focus on Weak Spots First

When prepping for the SAT, it’s tempting to keep practising what you’re already good at. But if you really want to see a noticeable score jump, tackle your weak spots first. 

Diagnostic tests or your past practice results can help identify the areas where you lag. Use topic-specific drills, watch quick explainer videos, and reattempt questions until the concepts click. 

While self-study is great, online SAT prep classes can make a huge difference. At Prep7Edu, we offer flexible and personalised classes with mentors who provide innovative and result-oriented guidance. 

Our comprehensive curriculum covers every SAT topic in depth, while our real-time SAT online testing portal lets you practice under exam-like conditions. 

Plan Now For Fall 2025 Applications

The pendulum has swung back toward standardised testing. But that doesn’t mean that the days when your SAT score was the only thing that mattered are back. 

The SAT is just one part of your application. Schools still care about your essays, recommendations, activities, and the story you tell about yourself.

Whether you love this trend or hate it, it’s the reality for students applying to highly selective colleges right now. The best approach? Focus on putting together the strongest application you can across all areas, including your SAT score.

If you’re aiming for a top score, getting support from experts can make a huge difference. We, at Prep7Edu, offer flexible, personalised SAT classes led by experienced mentors who know how to bring out your best. With the right prep plan, you can walk into test day feeling confident, ready, and one step closer to your dream school.

Ready to get started? Book your free SAT strategy session today and take the first step toward your highest possible score!