Is senior year too late for the SAT or ACT?

Nick's answer is no: in 12th grade a strong score can still change admission chances and scholarship offers at most colleges, though the UCs and Cal States do not use scores. He gives a five-step senior to-do list, with the September ACT and October SAT as the last dates for early applications and the November and December dates still reaching regular deadlines at the vast majority of colleges.

Recorded September 2025. Deadlines and policies change; check the current year's dates.

Read the full answer: College application dates and deadlines for fall 2027

Transcript

Hi, I'm Nick Standlea, CEO of Test Prep Gurus. If you are the parent of a 12th grader, you might be wondering, is it too late for SAT and ACT scores to make a difference for your child? The short answer is no. In fact, senior year is when scores can still play a decisive role in college admissions and scholarships. Many families hear the phrase test optional and assume that scores don't matter anymore, but the reality is very different. At most private colleges and out-of-state public universities, students who submit strong test scores are admitted at higher rates than students who don't.

Scores can also unlock thousands of dollars in merit scholarships. So, while the UCs and the Cal States don't use test scores in admissions, for most other schools, scores remain a powerful advantage. Here's what's important to know about timing. The September ACT and the October SAT are the last chances for students applying early action or early decision. These deadlines hit in November, so these are the only test dates that will count. The November and December test dates will still arrive in time for regular decision deadlines at the vast majority of colleges.

If you're in doubt, check with your counselor. But the short version is seniors who are taking these tests in the fall of senior year still have options. Here's the to-do list for my seniors. Number one, register immediately. Don't wait. Seats fill up quickly and registering early ensures your student gets a test center near home. For early applicants, the September ACT and the October SAT are a must. For regular deadlines, November and December tests are still in play. Number two, finalize your strategy. Decide whether the SAT or the ACT is a better fit, and the sooner we do this, the better.

Both tests are accepted everywhere, so we want to lean into our personal strengths. The best way to decide is by taking a practice test of each or using your student's PSAT score as a guide and then comparing it to a practice ACT. If you'd like a free practice test, you can reach us anytime at prepgurus.com. Number three, prep smart. At this stage, focus on high-yield practice, reviewing mistakes, targeted drills, and fully timed practice tests. Number four, send those scores in strategically, take advantage of super scoring. What many parents don't realize is that with the SAT and the ACT, you don't have to send every score from every test your student has taken.

With score choice, you can choose the single test date with your best results and send only that to the colleges. On top of that, most colleges practice super scoring. That means they'll take the highest section scores across multiple test dates and combine them into one super score. Colleges do not always spell out exactly how they do this on their websites, but retaking the test almost always works to your advantage. Number five, look for scholarships. Many colleges and private organizations tie scholarships directly to test scores. A small score bump can mean thousands of dollars saved.

The takeaway is this, strong SAT or ACT scores can still make a meaningful impact in admissions chances, in scholarship dollars, and giving your student an edge. Our team at Test Prep Gurus has helped thousands of students not just raise their scores, but translate them into real admission results and real scholarships. If your student hasn't taken their final shot yet, now is the moment to go ahead and start to take action. September and October are critical for early applications, just to repeat it one more time, and November and December still work for regular deadlines.

To learn more about test prep options, including practice tests, tutoring, strategy sessions, you can always visit us at Thanks again for watching. I'm Nick Standlea, CEO of Test Prep Gurus, wishing you and your family the best as you navigate the admissions journey.

More explainers for parents: https://www.prepgurus.com/13secrets (the free 13 Secrets to College Admission guide) and https://highschoolreach.com (look up any high school's college outcomes)