In response to the pandemic, more than 1,600 colleges and universities have adopted a test-optional admissions policy admissions. A test-optional policy means that SAT or ACT scores are not required for the college application, and a student’s application for admission will not be penalized for not taking the ACT or SAT.
Find out if your preferred schools have test-optional policies: https://fairtest.org/university/optional
Research your preferred schools to see how they handle test scores. Knowing how they will weigh this factor in the application process is important.
No, do not. The College Board and the ACT will not release your scores without your consent. However, make sure it is not a required component of the application.
It should not hurt your application as long as the school does not require test scores or has a test-optional policy.
There are benefits to taking these exams, even if they are not required for your college application.