Editorial draft · After Three Learning · Policies reviewed 2026-10-07. Recheck policies for your application year.
For several years, families heard that the SAT was becoming less important. During the pandemic, many colleges suspended testing requirements. Now, some selective colleges have brought them back.
If your student is considering highly selective universities, planning to take the SAT—or the ACT—is often a sensible way to keep their options open. That does not mean every student needs an expensive preparation package.
California’s policies don’t tell the whole story
The University of California does not consider SAT or ACT scores for admissions or scholarships. CSU also no longer uses these exams to determine admission eligibility. Taking the SAT will not strengthen an admissions application to a UC or CSU campus.
For students considering competitive California campuses and majors, it is worth exploring private colleges and public universities in other states. Build a list with suitable programs, different levels of admission likelihood, and financially realistic options. An out-of-state public university is not automatically easier to enter or less expensive.
MIT requires the SAT or ACT. Stanford reinstated that requirement for fall 2026 entry and beyond. Public universities outside California, including UT Austin, also have testing requirements. Check the exact policy for your student’s application year.
A student who skips testing entirely may discover that some colleges they want to apply to are no longer available options.
What about UC San Diego?
UC San Diego faculty and Senate workgroups have raised concerns about incoming students’ math preparation. A formal admissions review examined preparation alongside changes to admissions requirements, including the elimination of SAT and ACT scores.
This does not mean UC has restored testing requirements. Nor does it establish that removing the SAT alone caused preparation gaps. The useful takeaway is broader: strong reading, writing, and math foundations matter beyond any admissions test.
Make a plan before you need a score
Begin with a preliminary college list. Record whether each school requires testing, makes it optional, or excludes it from admissions consideration. Revisit those policies as your list develops.
Give your student time to try a practice test, identify skills to strengthen, and prepare at a manageable pace. When testing is required, leave room for another attempt rather than relying on one last-minute date. Many colleges accept the ACT as well.
Preparation should fit your family
Some students progress with free practice materials and a consistent schedule. Others benefit from a structured class or focused tutoring. The appropriate support depends on the student’s starting point, goals, and available time.
At After Three Learning, we believe families deserve clear guidance. Preparing for college should not require spending thousands out of fear that everyone else is doing more.
For students considering highly selective colleges, our advice is practical: plan for the SAT or ACT unless your developing college list gives you a clear reason not to. Keep your options open, prepare thoughtfully, and remember that a test score is one part of a much larger education.