The Hidden Truth About Test-Optional Policies: Why Test Scores Still Matter
In recent years, the "test-optional" movement has gained tremendous momentum across higher education, creating the impression that standardized tests like the SAT and ACT are becoming increasingly irrelevant. However, as a college counselor who regularly helps families navigate this complex landscape, I'm noticing a significant disconnect between admissions marketing and the practical realities students face after enrollment.
The Baylor Example: A Case Study in Testing Contradictions
Baylor University recently announced they'll remain test-optional for Fall 2026 admissions, a policy that appears to reduce barriers to entry. Yet, once a student is admitted, they send emails to students in April where they've released information about their Math and Chemistry ALEKS placement requirements, which then may alarm some students and parents that test scores matter for being placed in classes based on college readiness scores.
For students planning to take Precalculus (MTH 1320), you must meet at least ONE of these requirements:
SAT Math: 550 or higher
ACT Math: 22 or higher
Score of 61+ on the ALEKS math placement test
For Calculus I (MTH 1321), the bar rises significantly:
AP Precalculus: 4 or 5
SAT Math: 650 or higher
ACT Math: 27 or higher
B- or better in MTH 1320
Score of 80+ on the ALEKS math placement test
This creates a perplexing situation: students can be admitted without test scores, but then immediately face test score requirements for fundamental courses in their major. Ultimately, test scores do matter at some point. Whether it is from an SAT or ACT or you will need to prepare and take the ALEKS test for course placement purposes. If you do not meet those thresholds, you will be placed in a remedial course (below 100 college-level) and not receive college credit. You are basically taking a class that costs you more money to take just to get “ready” for college-level classes. This cost can add up. Be wise and study well for exams regardless of test-optional admissions policies.
Contact us now to avoid this and get your testing strategy dialed in before applying to college.
This Isn't Just Baylor: The National Trend
My research confirms this practice is widespread across American universities:
University of Michigan: While test-optional for admissions, they use standardized test scores for placement into first-year writing, language, and mathematics courses. Students without qualifying scores must take Michigan's own placement exams.
Ohio State University: Despite its test-optional policy, OSU still uses ACT/SAT scores for placement in English, math, chemistry, and foreign languages. The Mathematics Placement Test becomes mandatory for students who have not submitted scores.
University of Arizona: Test-optional for admissions, but requires either SAT/ACT scores or their own Math Placement Assessment for enrollment in any college-level math course.
Penn State University: Their test-optional admissions policy contrasts with their use of standardized test scores for placement in math, English, chemistry, and modern languages.
Beyond Course Placement: Other Hidden Testing Requirements
The impact of test scores extends far beyond just math and science placement:
Honors Programs: According to a 2022 survey by the National Collegiate Honors Council, 68% of university honors programs still consider standardized test scores in their selection process, even at test-optional institutions.
Merit Scholarships: A 2023 analysis of 150 test-optional schools found that 72% still used standardized test scores as criteria for their highest-value merit scholarships.
STEM Major Readiness: Engineering programs at schools like Purdue, Georgia Tech, and Virginia Tech use standardized test benchmarks for direct admission to their engineering colleges, even with university-wide test-optional policies.
Foreign Language Placement: Universities such as UCLA and the University of Washington require either AP scores or internal placement exams for language placement beyond entry-level courses, creating an additional potential hurdle.
The Financial Implications Are Significant
Starting college without strong test scores can have serious financial consequences:
Remedial courses at most universities cost the same as regular courses ($1,500-3,000 per class) but don't count toward degree requirements.
Students in remedial sequences graduate at lower rates and take an average of 1.5 semesters longer to complete their degrees, according to data from Complete College America.
The additional time can result in high additional tuition costs, depending on the college.
Some financial aid packages have time limitations that don't account for remedial coursework needs.
Alternative Pathways: Summer Bridge Programs
There are alternatives for students who struggle with standardized testing. Many institutions offer summer bridge programs that can help students prepare for college-level work and potentially bypass remediation:
Summer Success Programs: Schools like Arizona State University, University of California Berkeley, and University of Texas offer intensive summer math and writing preparation programs.
Early Start Programs: California State University's Early Start program helps students become ready for college-level math and English before their first semester begins.
Directed Self-Placement: Some universities, like the University of Michigan, offer guided self-assessment processes that help students make informed choices about course placement without relying solely on test scores.
These programs can be excellent alternatives, but they often require additional time, effort, and sometimes expense before the official start of college.
The Bottom Line: Be Strategic About Testing
The reality is clear: while test-optional policies have expanded access to college admissions, they haven't eliminated the importance of standardized testing in the college experience. Test scores continue to serve as academic benchmarks throughout your college journey.
My advice to families remains consistent: even if applying to test-optional schools, prepare for and take the SAT or ACT seriously. Strong scores provide important advantages that extend far beyond the initial acceptance letter – they impact course placement, scholarship eligibility, honors program access, and your time-to-degree. Here are some tips on study skills to support you. If you need additional SAT and ACT support, contact stefanie@wayforwardcollege.com for a referral, or join our Ultimate Summer Prep Program: From Scores to Scholarships. This is a 6-week intensive program uniquely designed to support high school students with their testing strategy, skills to focus on the exam that best suit their style, in conjunction with college planning services like starting your applications, researching colleges, writing your extracurricular activities, and brainstorming your personal statement essay. Let us help guide you!
The true cost of skipping standardized tests often doesn't appear until after enrollment, when students face unexpected placement exams, remedial courses, and potential delays in academic progress. By understanding the continued importance of these tests behind the scenes, you can make more strategic decisions about your college preparation and application strategy.
