With many colleges now being test-optional, Camas High School (CHS) students have varying opinions on whether it’s important to take the SAT, ACT, and other standardized tests. Out of nine students interviewed, only two have taken the SAT, and only three have taken the Preliminary SAT (PSAT), with two of those being seniors. 

Many students were not aware that colleges are test-optional and don’t know if the colleges they are applying for are SAT-optional. Because of this new flexibility, though, some students are happier because they can make the choice for themselves. 

“I choose my well-being over my academic success. I am miserable and I don’t want to add the PSAT to that. If I have to [take it], then I will,” said sophomore Rain Shibata. 

Other students were under the impression that the SAT is just something you have to do during your high school career. 

“I was told that that’s what you’re supposed to do,” said senior Emma Sadewasser. 

Even though she took both tests, Sadewasser knows that all the colleges she is applying to are test-optional. 

Is it even worth it? Many students know that they could easily get into the colleges they want to without the test scores. 

“I just didn’t think I needed it, and the colleges I’m applying to are [test optional]” said senior Toby Finstead, who is going into psychology at Evergreen State College. 

However, many colleges still require SAT scores, and the PSAT is useful for sophomores and juniors that want to determine how well they are prepared for the SAT in the spring. For juniors or students in their second-to-last year of high school, the PSAT also presents scholarship opportunities: the top 7,250 scoring students in the nation are eligible for National Merit scholarships, which range from $2,500 to full-ride. 

With the options for college-bound students expanding, it’s up to the individual to decide whether to take the tests or prioritize other things.