Every year, California families spend hundreds of dollars and dozens of hours preparing for standardized tests that many of their target colleges will never look at. Before your student signs up for the SAT or ACT, answer one question: does your college list actually require it?
The California policy landscape in 2026
Bottom line for California students: if your student's list is entirely UC, CSU, and California community colleges, there is no admission benefit to taking the SAT or ACT. The decision only matters if your list includes private colleges, out-of-state schools, or colleges outside California.
Then why do so many California students still take them?
A few legitimate reasons:
- Private and out-of-state schools on the list. If a student is applying to any test-optional or test-required schools outside the UC/CSU system, a strong score can help. At test-optional schools, submitting a strong score is generally advantageous. Submitting a weak one usually is not.
- National Merit Scholarship. The PSAT/NMSQT (taken in 11th grade) is the qualifying exam for the National Merit Scholarship Program. Students who score in the top percentile in their state become National Merit Semifinalists and compete for scholarships. The SAT itself is required for verification. For students with a realistic shot at National Merit, the SAT matters.
- Military academy applications. The U.S. Military Academy (West Point), Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Coast Guard Academy all require SAT or ACT scores. Students pursuing this path should plan for testing.
- Some merit scholarships at private colleges. Even at test-optional schools, some merit scholarship programs still use SAT/ACT scores as part of their criteria. Check each school's scholarship policies separately from their admission policies.
SAT vs. ACT: which one?
Both tests are accepted everywhere. The right choice depends on which format plays to your student's strengths.
SAT
- Score: 400 to 1600
- Two sections: Reading/Writing and Math
- Digital format (computer-based)
- More time per question than ACT
- No Science section
- Strong choice for students who prefer a slower, more deliberate pace
ACT
- Score: 1 to 36 composite
- Four sections: English, Math, Reading, Science
- Paper or digital depending on test center
- Faster pace, more questions
- Science section tests data interpretation, not science facts
- Strong choice for students who are fast readers or have science confidence
Take a free practice test of each before committing. Khan Academy offers free SAT prep. ACT Academy offers free ACT prep. Both are legitimate preparation resources that cost nothing.
When to test, and how many times
- PSAT (10th grade): low-stakes practice. Good for familiarizing with the format. Does not affect college applications.
- PSAT/NMSQT (11th grade): this one counts for National Merit. Take it seriously if your student is competitive.
- First SAT or ACT attempt (spring of 11th grade): March, April, May, or June. This leaves time to see results and plan a retake.
- Retake if needed (fall of 12th grade): August, September, or October. Most application deadlines are October 15 through January 1. A fall retake fits the timeline for nearly all schools.
- How many times: most students who retake improve. Two to three attempts is typical. More than that usually produces diminishing returns. SuperScoring (many colleges take the highest section scores across multiple test dates) means retaking rarely hurts.
Fee waivers: free tests for qualifying students
Students who qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, are enrolled in federal assistance programs, or meet income guidelines can get SAT and ACT fee waivers that cover the test registration cost entirely. In California, school counselors can request waivers directly through College Board (SAT) and ACT, Inc.
SAT fee waivers also waive application fees at many colleges, which is a separate benefit worth requesting even if your student does not plan to submit scores everywhere. Ask your school counselor before October of 11th grade.
The question to ask before registering
Pull up your student's college list. Look up the testing policy for each school. Sort them into three columns: test-blind, test-optional, and test-required. If every school is in the first two columns and your student has a realistic shot at good-enough scores for the test-optional schools, taking the test is a reasonable investment of time. If every school is UC or CSU, the time is better spent on A-G coursework, grades, and the application itself.
Not sure if your student needs to test?
We can review the college list and give you a direct answer in one conversation. English and Spanish. Free 30-minute call.
Book a Free CallFrequently Asked Questions
Do UC campuses require the SAT or ACT?
No. The University of California is permanently test-blind. UC campuses do not consider SAT or ACT scores for admission decisions, scholarship awards, or any other purpose. This policy was made permanent in 2021 and applies to all nine UC undergraduate campuses. California students applying only to UC do not need to take the SAT or ACT.
Do CSU campuses require the SAT or ACT?
No. The California State University system does not require or use SAT or ACT scores for first-year admission decisions. CSU campuses may use test scores for course placement and orientation advising after a student is admitted, but scores do not affect admissions eligibility. Students applying only to CSU do not need to take the SAT or ACT.
Should California students still take the SAT or ACT?
It depends on where the student is applying. If the student is applying exclusively to UC, CSU, or California community colleges, there is no admission benefit to taking the SAT or ACT. If the student is applying to private colleges, out-of-state universities, or colleges outside California that are test-optional or test-required, a strong score can strengthen the application. The decision should be driven by the student's actual college list, not by the assumption that standardized tests are always required.
What is the difference between the SAT and ACT?
The SAT and ACT measure similar skills but have structural differences. The SAT (administered by College Board) has two sections: Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, and Math, scored on a 1600-point scale. The ACT (administered by ACT, Inc.) has four sections: English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science Reasoning, scored on a 1-36 composite scale. The ACT has a Science section that the SAT does not. Both are accepted at all colleges that require standardized tests. Students should take a practice version of each to see which format plays to their strengths.
When should a student take the SAT or ACT?
Students who plan to take the SAT or ACT should typically take their first attempt in the spring of 11th grade (March, May, or June), which leaves time for a retake in the fall of 12th grade before most application deadlines. Taking the PSAT in 10th grade (and again in 11th grade for National Merit consideration) is good low-stakes practice. Most students who retake improve their scores. There is no penalty for taking the test multiple times.
How do students get SAT or ACT fee waivers in California?
SAT fee waivers are available through College Board for students who meet income eligibility criteria, are enrolled in certain federal programs, or are identified by their school counselor. ACT fee waivers are available through ACT, Inc. on similar criteria. In California, school counselors can request waivers directly. Students who qualify for the federal free or reduced-price lunch program typically qualify for test fee waivers. Fee waivers also waive college application fees at many institutions.