PAYING FOR COLLEGE

Why the SAT Still Matters

Colleges use standardized test scores to award thousands in merit aid

If your kid gets a decent SAT score, you might think it’s a waste of money to shell out almost $50 for them to take the test again.

But that $50 could be the best money you ever spend.

A solid score could qualify them for merit scholarships at schools across the U.S.

And according to the College Board, most kids see their scores go up if they test more than once.

In the past four years I’ve helped both of my kids navigate the college admissions process. And they each took the SAT and ACT multiple times to boost their scores.

I know more and more colleges are going “test optional” these days. But neither of my kids had stellar GPAs, and I figured solid standardized test scores would help them improve their odds of getting into their top-choice schools.

What I didn’t realize is that good — not necessarily great — test scores are also key to getting merit scholarships.

Check out these three examples:

Arizona State University: $30,000

Arizona State University has an online calculator, where you can plug in your data to see what kind of award you would receive.

I entered data for a hypothetical student with a 3.0 GPA, a class rank of 700 out of 1,000 students, and Pennsylvania residency. To earn a $7,500 scholarship, this student needs:

• 1130 or better SAT
• 24 or better ACT

That $7,500 is renewable for full-time students with at least a 3.0 GPA.

Over four years that’s $30,000.

Florida Gulf Coast University: $40,000

At Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers, Fla., meeting these requirements could earn an out-of-state student a $10,000 scholarship:

• 3.5 GPA
• 1220 or better SAT
• 25 or better ACT

Over four years, that’s $40,000.

Quinnipiac University: Up to $112,000

At Quinnipiac University in Hamden, Conn., meeting these requirements could earn a student a scholarship of $12,000 to $28,000:

• Class rank in the top 40%
• 1100 or better SAT
• 22 or better ACT

And those awards are renewable for students who meet the scholarship criteria.

Over four years, that’s $112,000.

These aren’t the only schools that offer scholarships tied to SAT scores. They’re just examples from the schools where my kids applied.

A PrepScholar article outlines SAT/ACT scholarships for 16 more schools:

• Baylor University
• Clemson University
• Colorado State University
• Florida A&M
• Florida Gulf Coast University
• Georgia State
• Louisiana State University
• Texas Tech
• University of Arizona
• University of Mississippi
• University of Missouri
• University of Nevada at Las Vegas
• University of Oregon
• University of Tennessee
• University of Texas at Arlington
• Utah State University

At lots of colleges, bigger boosts in your SAT/ACT scores will net you even more money.

And many schools consider SAT/ACT scores in their scholarship decisions without publishing their requirements on their web sites, so higher scores can help your student qualify for bigger amounts.

The takeaway

Colleges don’t just use SAT/ACT scores for admissions decisions. Solid scores can cut thousands of dollars from your family’s tuition bills.

While COVID-19 could change things, the next SAT is scheduled for June 6. The next ACT is scheduled for June 13. Register for both by May 8.