Do SATs/ACTs Still Matter for Athletes?
With many colleges going test-optional or test-blind in recent years, student-athletes and their families are wondering: do standardized test scores still matter for athletic recruiting? The short answer is complicated – while some schools have relaxed requirements, test scores still play a crucial role in many recruiting scenarios and can significantly impact your opportunities.
The Current Landscape
Test-Optional vs. Test-Required Schools
Three main categories:
- Test-required: Still require SAT/ACT scores for all applicants
- Test-optional: Scores are optional but can help your application
- Test-blind: Do not consider test scores at all (very rare)
NCAA Still Requires Test Scores
Eligibility center requirements:
- Division I: Must submit SAT or ACT scores for eligibility
- Division II: Test scores required for academic certification
- Division III: Test scores needed for federal aid eligibility
- NAIA: Minimum test score requirements still in place
The Athletic Recruiting Reality
Why coaches still care about test scores:
- Academic standards: Programs must maintain team GPA requirements
- Institutional requirements: Many schools still require scores for athletes
- Scholarship decisions: Higher scores can influence aid amounts
- Academic support: Helps predict need for tutoring and support services
Recruiting just got easier
Build a powerful athletic profile and start contacting college coaches with VarsityBio.
Get Started →Division-Specific Test Score Importance
Division I: Still Very Important
Why D1 programs emphasize test scores:
- Academic Progress Rate (APR): Teams penalized for poor academic performance
- Institutional standards: Elite academic schools maintain high requirements
- Competitive advantage: Strong scores help in tight recruiting battles
- Scholarship leverage: Academic merit can supplement athletic aid
Typical score expectations:
- Elite programs: 1200+ SAT / 26+ ACT
- Mid-major programs: 1100+ SAT / 24+ ACT
- Lower-tier D1: 1000+ SAT / 21+ ACT
- Ivy League/Elite: 1400+ SAT / 32+ ACT
Division II: Moderate Importance
D2 recruiting considerations:
- Academic scholarships: Test scores crucial for merit aid combinations
- Regional focus: Local academic standards often emphasized
- Flexibility: More willing to work with students on academic development
- Support systems: Strong academic support programs available
Typical score ranges:
- Competitive D2: 1050+ SAT / 22+ ACT
- Regional D2: 950+ SAT / 20+ ACT
- Academic D2: 1150+ SAT / 25+ ACT
Division III: Increasingly Important
Why D3 schools value test scores:
- Academic selectivity: Many D3 schools are academically elite
- Admissions influence: Athletic recruitment still requires admission
- Merit aid: Test scores crucial for academic scholarships
- Institutional fit: Scores help predict academic success
Typical expectations:
- Elite D3 (NESCAC): 1350+ SAT / 30+ ACT
- Selective D3: 1200+ SAT / 26+ ACT
- Regional D3: 1050+ SAT / 23+ ACT
Sport-Specific Considerations
Revenue Sports (Football, Basketball)
More flexibility for elite athletes:
- Relaxed standards: Top athletic talent may have lower score requirements
- Support systems: Extensive academic support available
- Still competitive: Most recruits have solid test scores
- Coach influence: Athletic ability can offset lower scores
Olympic Sports
Higher academic expectations:
- Scholar-athlete model: Emphasis on academic achievement
- Limited scholarships: Academic merit often factors into aid decisions
- Team GPA requirements: Must maintain high team academic standards
- Long-term planning: Academic success essential for career planning
Individual Sports (Golf, Tennis, Track)
Academic excellence often expected:
- Cultural expectations: Sports traditionally emphasize academics
- College preparation: Athletes often academically focused
- Recruiting competition: Strong scores provide competitive advantage
- Coach expectations: Programs recruit high-achieving students
How Test Scores Impact Your Recruiting
Academic Qualification
Meeting minimum standards:
- NCAA eligibility: Required for participation
- Institutional admission: Must meet college admission requirements
- Academic certification: Needed for official visits and scholarships
- Transfer eligibility: Important for future transfer opportunities
Scholarship Considerations
Financial aid implications:
- Academic merit aid: Higher scores qualify for more institutional aid
- Combined packages: Athletic + academic aid often more generous
- Need-based aid: Test scores factor into federal aid eligibility
- Outside scholarships: Many require minimum test scores
Recruiting Leverage
Competitive advantages:
- Coach confidence: Strong scores reduce academic risk concerns
- Program fit: Shows ability to handle college-level coursework
- Team building: Helps coaches build well-rounded rosters
- Public relations: Strong academic performers enhance program reputation
The Test-Optional Dilemma for Athletes
When to Submit Scores
Submit your scores if:
- Above school average: Your scores exceed typical admitted student range
- Athletic programs value them: Coach specifically mentions importance
- Academic aid consideration: Seeking merit-based scholarships
- Competitive recruiting: Scores provide edge over other recruits
- Academic programs: Applying to selective academic programs
When to Go Test-Optional
Consider not submitting if:
- Below school average: Scores significantly below typical admits
- Strong overall profile: Exceptional grades and athletic achievements
- Test-blind schools: Institution doesn't consider scores at all
- Late testing: No time to adequately prepare and test
- Test anxiety: Consistent poor performance despite good academics
Strategic Considerations
Making the decision:
- Research thoroughly: Understand each school's actual policies
- Talk to coaches: Get guidance on program expectations
- Consider retesting: Investment in test prep may pay off
- Evaluate holistically: Consider entire application strength
- Plan multiple pathways: Apply to mix of test-optional and test-required schools
Test Preparation Strategies for Athletes
Balancing Training and Test Prep
Time management tips:
- Off-season focus: Intensive prep during athletic off-season
- Consistent study: Regular short sessions rather than cramming
- Integration approach: Study during travel to competitions
- Support systems: Utilize academic support resources
- Realistic planning: Allow adequate time for multiple test attempts
When to Start Preparing
Optimal timeline:
- Sophomore year: Begin familiarization with test format
- Junior year (fall): Intensive preparation begins
- Junior year (spring): First official test attempt
- Senior year (early): Final retake opportunities
- Early planning: More time allows for better preparation
Preparation Resources
Study options:
- Test prep courses: Structured classroom or online programs
- Private tutoring: Personalized instruction and strategy
- Self-study materials: Books, apps, and online resources
- School resources: Guidance counselor support and practice tests
- Athletic academic support: Many programs offer test prep assistance
The Impact of COVID-19 and Recent Changes
Temporary vs. Permanent Changes
Understanding current policies:
- Emergency measures: Many test-optional policies were temporary
- Permanent adoptions: Some schools have made permanent changes
- Fluid situation: Policies continue to evolve
- Research required: Check current policies for each school
- Athletic programs different: May have different standards than general admission
Future Outlook
What to expect:
- Continued importance: Test scores likely to remain relevant for athletes
- Flexibility increase: More schools offering test-optional pathways
- Athletic exceptions: Sports programs may maintain different standards
- Merit aid connection: Test scores still crucial for academic scholarships
- NCAA requirements: Unlikely to change eligibility center requirements
International Student-Athletes
Additional Requirements
Extra considerations:
- English proficiency: TOEFL/IELTS scores required
- SAT/ACT still needed: For NCAA eligibility and many admissions
- Cultural preparation: Understanding American testing formats
- Timeline planning: Allow extra time for multiple requirements
- Professional guidance: Consider working with international recruiting specialists
Score Interpretation
Understanding contexts:
- Cultural adjustments: American testing style differences
- Language barriers: English proficiency impacts performance
- Educational systems: Different academic backgrounds considered
- Support availability: Additional academic support often provided
- Alternative assessments: Some schools accept international alternatives
Making Strategic Decisions
Research Each School's Reality
Go beyond public policies:
- Talk to coaches: Get honest assessment of expectations
- Review team profiles: Look at academic profiles of current players
- Contact admissions: Understand athletic recruiting policies
- Examine data: Research average scores of admitted athletes
- Consider program culture: Academic emphasis varies by program
Building Your Strategy
Comprehensive approach:
- Multiple test attempts: Plan for 2-3 testing opportunities
- School list diversity: Include test-optional and test-required schools
- Score improvement: Invest in preparation if needed
- Academic backup: Strong GPA and coursework essential
- Early planning: Start process early for maximum flexibility
Cost-Benefit Analysis
Weighing investment:
- Test prep costs: Preparation courses and tutoring expenses
- Opportunity cost: Time away from athletic training
- Potential benefits: Scholarship and admission opportunities
- Risk assessment: Likelihood of meaningful score improvement
- Long-term value: Academic preparation for college success
The Bottom Line
Yes, SAT and ACT scores still matter significantly for student-athletes, despite the growth of test-optional policies. While some flexibility exists, standardized test scores continue to play crucial roles in:
- NCAA eligibility certification
- College admission decisions
- Athletic scholarship considerations
- Academic merit aid qualification
- Competitive recruiting advantages
Key takeaways:
- Plan early: Start test preparation in sophomore year
- Research thoroughly: Understand each target school's actual expectations
- Aim high: Strong scores open more doors and opportunities
- Prepare strategically: Balance test prep with athletic commitments
- Consider retesting: Multiple attempts often lead to improvement
Smart strategy:
- Take standardized tests seriously, regardless of test-optional policies
- Prepare adequately but don't let test prep overwhelm athletic development
- Use strong scores as a competitive advantage in recruiting
- Remember that test scores are just one factor in a comprehensive evaluation
- Focus on building the strongest overall academic and athletic profile possible
Remember: While test-optional policies provide some flexibility, student-athletes who submit strong standardized test scores typically have more recruiting opportunities, better financial aid packages, and enhanced competitive positioning. In most cases, the investment in test preparation pays significant dividends in college opportunities.
For more information about academic requirements, see our article on What GPA Do You Need to Play in College?. For comprehensive academic planning, check out NCAA Eligibility Requirements (Updated for 2025).