Every fall I welcome new students into my classroom. Five different classes with different personalities, abilities, strengths, and weaknesses. I typically teach a few 12th grade English classes, and every year, at every open house — without fail — I have parents of seniors who are very concerned about the college application process and the accompanying standardized tests.

The concern isn’t even new for them — it’s been going and growing for well over a year. Part of the stress is the college essay. And then, there’s the standardized tests — SATs, ACTs, subject tests, AP tests. Students begin every school year with a full plate before they even sit at the academic table.

While the SATs were a big deal when I was a senior in high school (during the good old ’90s!), times have changed. Colleges recognize that a student is not just a score — a student is a combination of many things.

During the pandemic, when learning happened remotely and testing wasn’t available, standardized testing had to take a back seat to other student accomplishments. Colleges had to look elsewhere to make decisions. But the movement away from standardized testing began before 2020. Test anxiety and inequitable access to testing prep and resources have caused colleges to rethink their application processes.  

So, what is important? The total picture. I always tell my students, especially those in the younger grades, to focus on the whole person, not just the numbers and levels of their academic classes.

Colleges are interested in well-rounded individuals. Students who are active in their school community, who participate in extracurricular activities, who play sports, and who volunteer their time to better their communities stand out more than test scores. Colleges understand that students with life experience, students with a commitment to a sport or activity, and students who are able to show growth, persistence, and understanding will do well in a college environment. 

A college application includes many things. First is a school transcript. This details which classes your student took, at what level, and what grade they earned. Then, there is a resume. This will show what they did outside of school. This is where they can highlight their soccer career, their volunteer work, their summer jobs, and their musical endeavors. Then, there is the college essay. This is where they can shine and share a unique story about a time of growth, an exploration of their favorite hobby, or a tribute to someone they admire or respect. The college essay is where a student is able to demonstrate their personality and set themselves apart from other applicants. And finally, there are standardized test scores.

Yes, some schools require these test scores. Especially Ivy League schools. But many do not. Here is a list of test-optional or test-free schools for the fall of 2025.

So what does this mean for me as a teacher and a mother? Well, my girls are still many years from college applications, but when the time comes, I hope to approach it with them the same way I do with my students: with realistic goals, with grace, and with love.

If my children want to take a standardized test for their college application, I will help them prepare and remind them that they are more than a score. I will allow them to retake the test as many times as they like, as long as it is not impacting their mental health. I will show them that their application is more than numbers — it is a picture of who they are thus far, and who they hope to become if a college is lucky enough to have them.