It depends on the school or program you are applying to. Some may require ACT scores while others may not. It is best to check the specific requirements for each institution.
If you need details read below
Whether or not you have to submit ACT scores depends on the school or program you are applying to. Some colleges and universities require ACT scores as part of their application process, while others do not. It is important to check the specific requirements for each institution to which you are applying.
For example, some schools have a test-optional policy, which means that submitting ACT scores is not required but may be considered as part of the application. Other schools may only require ACT scores for certain programs or majors, such as science or engineering.
According to PrepScholar, top-tier universities tend to have higher expectations for ACT scores, while less competitive schools may be more flexible. However, it is important to note that standardized test scores are just one aspect of an application and not the sole determining factor for admission.
In the words of education expert Harold Howe II, “Standardized tests can’t measure initiative, creativity, imagination, conceptual thinking, curiosity, effort, irony, judgment, commitment, nuance, good will, ethical reflection, or a host of other valuable dispositions and attributes. What they can measure and count are isolated skills, specific facts and function, content knowledge, the least interesting and least significant aspects of learning.”
Here is a table of some top schools and their stance on ACT score submission:
| School | ACT Score Requirements |
|---|---|
| Harvard University | Test-optional for class of 2025 |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | Test-optional for class of 2025 |
| Stanford University | Test-optional for class of 2025 |
| University of California, Berkeley | Test-optional for in-state applicants; test-blind for out-of-state applicants |
| University of Michigan | Test-optional for class of 2022 and 2023 |
| Yale University | Test-optional for class of 2025 |
In conclusion, while ACT scores may be important for some schools and programs, it ultimately depends on the individual institution’s policies. It is important to do your research and carefully review each school’s application requirements before submitting your application.
Video response
The video discusses the pros and cons of submitting SAT/ACT scores to test optional colleges and provides guidance on how to make the decision. Using the example of a student with a 25 ACT score applying to three colleges with different score ranges, the speaker advises submitting the score for colleges where it is above or within the range, but not for colleges where it is below the average, as it may hurt the admissions chances.
There are also other opinions
If a university claims they are “test optional,” applicants can send in their standardized (SAT or ACT) test scores for consideration with their application. However, they are not required to send in their standardized test scores. If scores are not sent, the school simply bases their admission decision off the rest of the application. If you’re applying to highly selective test-optional colleges (i.e., schools with an acceptance rate below 30%) and you earned SAT/ACT scores in the schools’ middle 50% ranges (or higher), you should strongly consider submitting your scores to maximize your chances of getting admitted.
If a university claims they are “test optional,” applicants can send in their standardized (SAT or ACT) test scores for consideration with their application. However, they are not required to send in their standardized test scores. If scores are not sent, the school simply bases their admission decision off the rest of the application.
If you’re applying to highly selective test-optional colleges (i.e., schools with an acceptance rate below 30%) and you earned SAT/ACT scores in the schools’ middle 50% ranges (or higher), you should strongly consider submitting your scores to maximize your chances of getting admitted.