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What Happens If You Don’t Take the SAT?

December 12, 2025/Bentham Team

(Updated for 2025–2026 Admissions)

Many colleges and universities have made the SAT and ACT tests optional for applicants – a trend that began during the COVID-19 pandemic but has continued, evolved, and in some cases reversed in the years since.

What “Test-Optional” Means Today

First, let’s clear up what “test-optional” really means.

Test-optional means you are not required to submit SAT or ACT scores with your application. If your scores strengthen your profile, you can send them. If you choose not to, admissions officers will evaluate the rest of your application – your GPA, coursework, essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and more – without penalty.

This is different from test-blind or test-free policies, where schools do not consider test scores at all – even if you submit them. These policies are much rarer than test-optional ones and are still the exception rather than the rule.

What Happens if you don’t take the SAT?

The Policy Landscape Has Shifted Since COVID

Back in early 2021, many elite schools – including the entire Ivy League and universities like Stanford and MIT – temporarily made testing optional due to pandemic disruptions. The original article reflected that moment, when it seemed like test-optional might become permanent.

Since then, the landscape has continued to evolve:

  • Most U.S. colleges (2,000+) remain test-optional for the 2025–26 and 2026–27 admissions cycles.
  • However, many highly selective universities have reinstated or are reinstating SAT/ACT requirements, including Harvard, Yale (test-flexible), Brown, Dartmouth, Georgetown, and MIT.
  • Princeton has announced that it will require SAT or ACT scores beginning with the fall 2027 admission cycle, leaving only Columbia University as the sole Ivy League institution fully committed to test-optional.

In short, test-optional is no longer the “new normal,” especially at the most competitive schools. Instead, colleges are actively reassessing how standardized tests fit into a holistic admissions process.

If You Don’t Take the SAT

Here’s what happens if you decide not to take the SAT (or ACT):

1. Your application will still be read holistically

Admissions officers will evaluate the rest of your file – GPA, coursework rigor, essays, recommendations, activities, and other achievements – just as they always have.

2. But test scores can still be a differentiator

Just because a college is test-optional doesn’t mean scores don’t matter. At many institutions, strong scores can boost your application – especially if your academic record alone doesn’t fully reflect your potential.

For example, if you score above a school’s median SAT score, submitting that score can help you stand out. Conversely, if your score is below median, it might be better not to submit it.

3. At some schools, testing is coming back

If a school has reinstated a testing requirement – or plans to – not taking the SAT means you cannot submit a score and may be at a disadvantage compared to applicants who tested. This is most relevant at selective colleges that are reversing test-optional policies.

4. “Test-Optional” doesn’t always mean “no test influence”

Even at optional schools, admissions officers often still consider scores as part of their holistic review – particularly for scholarship decisions, honors programs, or merit-based aid.

Original Points That Still Hold

From our original article:

Although it may sound like you can just skip the tests and apply without them, for many applicants, standardized tests will continue to matter – sometimes more than applicants expect.

That remains true. Optional policies broaden access, but strategic testing can still strengthen a competitive application.

Bottom Line

  • Test-optional policies are still widespread.
  • But many top schools are bringing back testing requirements.
  • Not taking the SAT won’t automatically disqualify you, but it can limit your competitiveness – especially at the most selective colleges.
  • If you have strong scores, submitting them usually helps.
  • If you don’t, focusing on other parts of your application is critical.

If you’re unsure whether to take the SAT or whether to submit scores, the safest strategy for most applicants is to take the test at least once – even if you plan to apply test-optional – so you leave your options open.

How Bentham Admissions Helps

At Bentham, we certainly understand that the COVID-19 pandemic has made the college application process more challenging than ever.

Even in these unusual times, you must prioritize every means possible to distinguish yourself from other applicants vying for the same coveted places at top schools. This includes taking and scoring well on the SAT and ACT.

Bentham is here to help with a full range of tutoring and coaching services so you can successfully navigate the testing and college application process and land a position at the best university possible.

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Bentham Team

Every post on the Bentham site was written by one of our consultants. Each consultant is a graduate from some of the nation's top universities, many with admissions office experience also. You can learn more about our admissions consultant team here.