Written by Christopher Parsons, M.A. in English, Founder of The College Planning Center. With over 25 years in education, Christopher has guided thousands of families through the admissions journey.
If you have been following the test-optional debate, here is the update that matters: it is mostly over.
After years of colleges dropping SAT and ACT requirements during COVID, the trend has reversed. The majority of selective institutions now recommend or require standardized test scores again. Schools like Dartmouth, Brown, Yale, MIT, Georgetown, Caltech, and the entire University of California system have brought testing back.
For South Carolina families, the message is clear. If your student has strong test scores, submit them. If they do not have strong scores yet, there is time to change that — but the clock is ticking.
Why Scores Matter Again
Grade inflation killed the GPA as a reliable differentiator. When nearly half of all high school students graduate with an A average, admissions officers need another signal. Standardized tests provide that signal.
This is not opinion. Dartmouth published research in 2024 showing that SAT and ACT scores were the single best predictor of college success among their applicants — stronger than GPA, stronger than essays, stronger than extracurriculars.
For families in Horry and Charleston counties, this means a student with a 3.8 GPA and a 1350 SAT will stand out more than a student with a 4.0 and no test score at all.
When to Start Prep
The biggest mistake we see at College Planning Centers is waiting too long. Here is the timeline that works:
Sophomore spring: Take a diagnostic test. This is not the real thing — it is a baseline. Know where your student stands before you invest in prep.
Summer before junior year: Begin structured preparation. This is the sweet spot. Your student has 10 to 12 weeks without school pressure to focus on building test-taking skills, learning content gaps, and practicing under timed conditions.
Junior fall: Take the first official test (October or November). This gives your student time for a second attempt in spring if needed.
Junior spring: Final test attempt. Scores from the March, May, or June SAT are available before early decision applications open.
SAT vs. ACT: Which One?
This is a question we answer for every student. The short answer: take a practice test for each and compare.
The SAT rewards careful reading and mathematical reasoning. The ACT includes a science section and moves faster — it has more questions in less time. Students who think quickly and are strong in science often prefer the ACT. Students who are methodical and strong in reading comprehension often prefer the SAT.
For students who struggle with the math section specifically, the ACT can be a better fit. We have written about this “why-act-is-better-for-students-who-struggle-with-math” in detail.
What Good Prep Looks Like
Not all test prep is the same. Here is what actually moves scores:
- Diagnostic-driven. Good prep starts with identifying exactly where your student loses points. A student who misses algebra questions needs a different plan than one who struggles with reading passages.
- Consistent practice. Two hours per week for three months beats a weekend cram course every time. Test-taking is a skill, and skills require repetition.
- Timed practice tests. The test is as much about stamina and time management as it is about content knowledge. Students need to practice under real conditions — full-length, timed, no breaks beyond what the test allows.
- Expert guidance. Our tutors — including George Georgas and Miles Kelly — work one-on-one with students to build personalized prep plans. You can learn more about our SAT and ACT prep programs at both our Myrtle Beach and Mount Pleasant locations.
FAQs - Summer Planning for 9th and 10th Graders
Yes, SAT and ACT scores still matter in 2026, especially as more colleges move away from fully test-optional policies. Strong standardized test scores can help students stand out in college admissions, strengthen scholarship eligibility, and provide another data point beyond GPA. College Planning Centers helps South Carolina families understand when scores should be submitted and how test prep fits into a larger admissions strategy.
For many students, yes. SAT prep can improve scores, increase confidence, and open the door to stronger admissions and scholarship opportunities. For South Carolina students, better scores may also help with programs like Palmetto Fellows and LIFE Scholarship. College Planning Centers provides personalized SAT and ACT prep guidance so families can invest their time and money more strategically.
The best time to start SAT or ACT prep is usually sophomore spring or the summer before junior year. That timing gives students space to take a diagnostic test, identify weak areas, and build skills before the first official exam. At College Planning Centers, we help families create a test prep timeline that matches the student’s academic schedule and college goals.
Students should usually begin with a practice version of both tests and compare results. The SAT often rewards careful reading and math reasoning, while the ACT moves faster and includes a science section. College Planning Centers helps students decide between the SAT vs. ACT by looking at pacing, strengths, and score potential rather than guessing.
The main difference between the SAT and ACT is structure and pacing. The SAT tends to emphasize reading comprehension and mathematical reasoning, while the ACT includes science and has more questions in less time. The right test depends on how the student thinks, reads, and manages pressure. College Planning Centers helps students choose the exam that best fits their learning style and test-taking strengths.
In South Carolina, SAT and ACT scores can directly affect eligibility for major scholarships like Palmetto Fellows and LIFE Scholarship. That makes test prep about more than admissions alone—it can also impact the total cost of college. College Planning Centers works with families to connect standardized test prep with scholarship planning, financial aid goals, and long-term college affordability.
A strong SAT or ACT score can help strengthen an application, especially when colleges want another measure beyond GPA. While it may not completely offset weak academics, a good test score can improve how a student is viewed in the college admissions process. College Planning Centers helps families understand how test scores, grades, and the rest of the application work together.
Good SAT prep or ACT prep starts with a diagnostic test, focuses on specific weak areas, and includes consistent practice over time. Full-length timed tests, content review, and one-on-one feedback are usually more effective than last-minute cramming. At College Planning Centers, students receive personalized support so prep is targeted, realistic, and designed to improve results.
Yes, many test-optional colleges still care about SAT and ACT scores, especially when a student submits strong results. Even when scores are not required, they can still support admissions decisions, course placement, and scholarship consideration. College Planning Centers helps students decide whether submitting scores will strengthen their application based on their target schools and overall profile.
Families should take SAT and ACT prep seriously because standardized test scores once again play a bigger role in college admissions and scholarship eligibility. In a more competitive environment, a stronger score can improve both admissions outcomes and financial opportunities. Starting early gives students more time to prepare, test, and improve before major deadlines.
The Bottom Line for SC Families
The Palmetto Fellows Scholarship requires a minimum 1200 SAT or 25 ACT (Path 1). The LIFE Scholarship requires meeting two of three criteria, including 1100 SAT or 22 ACT. These are real dollar amounts — Palmetto Fellows is worth up to $6,700 freshman year and $7,500 per year after that, while LIFE provides up to $5,000 per year — that hinge directly on test scores.
When you combine scholarship eligibility with the return of test requirements at selective schools, the math is simple. Investing in test prep now pays dividends for the next four years.
Want to know where your student stands? Schedule a free consultation and we will start with a diagnostic assessment.
Families Trust Us With Their Future
Real results from real families — read what parents say about working with Chris.
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Special thanks to Christopher Parsons for writing this blog post.
Christopher has a strong educational background, including Doctoral studies in English Literature and Creative Writing, a Master’s Degree in English, and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English and History. He also has a background in Mass Communications and Public Relations/Marketing.
He has successfully won scholarship offers from prestigious schools and over $250,000 in grants and scholarships. His real-world personal experience resonates well with today’s students.
