I’m Applying to UCs – Do I Still Need to Take the SAT?

Do I still need to take the SAT? Are standardized tests even relevant in 2024 if you aren’t applying to an Ivy League university?

In a previous post, we examined the language of the settlement that bans UCs from using the SAT and ACT in admissions through Spring 2025. But the settlement applies only to UCs. If you’re wise, you should already know to apply to colleges beyond the UC system in order to increase your chances of getting into a good school.

Let’s examine why it’s still a good idea to apply to take the SAT and/or the ACT, regardless of your college list.

CSUs Don’t Evaluate SAT Scores

The CSU system has been transparent that it no longer requires standardized testing. Remember that the CSUs operate differently from the UCs in that the CSUs do not use the holistic review process. In other words, it only uses your GPA to make admissions decisions (with a few exceptions for specific programs). That means there’s a lot of pressure on your GPA, so don’t make the mistake of spending so much time studying for your SAT that you let your grades slip, as this could backfire in the CSU admissions process.

So Do I Still Need to Take the SAT? Many Colleges Are Still Test Optional

Just because you’re applying to the UCs doesn’t mean you should rule out other great schools. Many colleges have gone back to requiring SAT or ACT scores. 

Here’s the complete list of colleges that require the SAT or ACT for 2024-2025 admissions: 

• Allegheny Wesleyan College

• Allen College

• AmeriTech College-Draper

• Auburn University at Montgomery

• Aultman College of Nursing and Health Sciences

• Ave Maria University

• Baptist Health Sciences University

• Becker College

• Brigham Young University-Hawaii

• Brigham Young University-Idaho

• Brown University

• Cabarrus College of Health Sciences

• California Institute of Technology | Caltech

• Campbellsville University

• Carolinas College of Health Sciences

• Centra College

• Chicago School of Professional Psychology – College of Nursing

• City College-Gainesville

• Claflin University

• Cleveland University-Kansas City

• College of Saint Mary

• College of the Ozarks

• Concorde Career College-Kansas City

• Concordia College

• Concordia University-Ann Arbor

• Cumberland University

• Dartmouth College

• DeVry College of New York

• Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus

• Edward Waters College

• Jacksonville, FL

• Fairleigh Dickinson University-Florham Campus

• FIDM-Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising-San Francisco

• Florida Atlantic University

• Florida College

• Florida Gulf Coast University

• Florida Institute of Technology

• Florida International University

• Florida Polytechnic University

• Florida State University

• Francis Marion University

• Georgetown University

• Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus

• Good Samaritan College of Nursing and Health Science

• Harvard University

• HCI College

• Kettering College

• Kuyper College

• LaGrange College

• Le Moyne-Owen College

• Lee University

• Livingstone College

• Louisiana College

• Louisiana State University-Alexandria

• Louisiana State University-Shreveport

• Louisiana Tech University

• Maine College of Health Professions

• Massachusetts Institute of Technology | MIT

• Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science

• Mercy College of Health Sciences

• Methodist College

• Mills College

• Missouri Valley College

• Mount Carmel College of Nursing

• New College of Florida

• North Greenville University

•  

  Northwestern College

• NUC University – Florida Technical College

• Ohio Valley University

• Pacific College

• Palm Beach Atlantic University

• Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences

• Piedmont University

• Purdue University

• Randall University

• Saint Anthony College of Nursing

• Shorter University

• Sierra Nevada University

• Southeast Missouri Hospital College of Nursing and Health Sciences

• Southeastern University

• Southwest University of Visual Arts-Tucson

• Southwestern College

• Spring Arbor University

• St Louis College of Health Careers-Fenton

• St Luke’s College

• Tennessee Wesleyan University

• Texas A&M University-Central Texas

• The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga

• The University of Tennessee-Knoxville

• The University of Tennessee-Martin

• The University of West Florida

• Touro College

• Trine University-Regional/Non-Traditional Campuses

• Trinity College of Nursing & Health Sciences

• Trinity International University-Illinois

• Truett McConnell University

• Union College

• United States Air Force Academy

• USAF Academy, CO

• United States Merchant Marine Academy

• United States Military Academy

• United States Naval Academy

• University of Arkansas at Little Rock

• University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff

• University of Central Florida

• University of Florida

• University of Georgia

• University of Mary

• University of North Florida

• University of South Carolina Aiken

• University of South Florida

• University of Tennessee Southern

• University of Texas at Austin | UT Austin

• University of the Sciences

• University of West Alabama

• Wesley College

• West Virginia State University

• William Carey University

• William Jessup University

• William Penn University

• Williams Baptist University

• Yale University

• York College of Pennsylvania

As you can see, that’s a pretty extensive list, which makes it a good idea to take the SAT. Even if you don’t think you’re headed to any of those schools, you might change your mind mid-apps season, so it’s best to be prepared.

So why do colleges ask for standardized test scores at all? Reviewing a student’s course load and GPA can be limiting in terms of understanding a student’s overall aptitude. Especially, if that student has blemishes in critical courses in Math and English: both of which can be addressed through an SAT or ACT.

The National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test

Another reason to take the SAT is that achieving an exceptional score can earn you the National Merit Scholarship. While scoring just about perfect on the PSAT and SAT might sound like a tall task, it’s certainly achievable with early preparation, strong knowledge foundations in reading and math, and a firm understanding of the test structure.

Whatever happens with test policies will likely never touch the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. Achievement of a semifinalist or finalist position is qualified as an award, not a test score. Furthermore, that award is worth a good chunk of money for college. Hence, the opportunity to earn an award and money towards college makes preparing for the SAT a good investment of time if you believe you can achieve the National Merit Scholarship.

Before You Apply to Universities, Take the SAT

So the answer to the question, “Do I still need to take the SAT?” Consider taking the SAT or ACT based on your situation. Outside of the UCs, many prestigious colleges require standardized testing. Last but not least, prepare for the SAT or PSAT if you believe you can achieve the National Merit Scholarship.

In your search for colleges, make sure you’re taking a strategic approach. Our expert ed consultants can help you find and get into schools that are the best fit. Schedule your free initial consultation today!