For Higher Ed Professionals

The SAT democratizes access to higher education for all students. Learn about the test's design, scoring, and capacity to support college success.

Benefits of the SAT

The SAT has changed significantly over its more than 100-year history and offers a wide range of benefits to students, educators, and higher ed professionals.

Promotes Educational Advancement

The SAT is one of the most accessible, affordable, and fair ways for students from all backgrounds to show what they know and connect with colleges.

Prepares Students for College and Beyond

The SAT allows students to demonstrate the knowledge and skills they learn in high school and that current research tells us are most critical for college readiness and success.

A male educator and a male student both looking at a laptop with the educator pointing to the laptop screen; bookshelves in the background

Attitudes Toward College Admission and the SAT

Survey data show that more than 80% of students and parents support having the option to send SAT scores for college admission, whether optional or required. Colleges continue to use the SAT for a wide range of purposes including admissions and scholarship review, course placement, and early identification of students who may benefit from additional academic support.

Beyond the Admission Decision: New Trends in Test Score Use

An increasing number of institutions are collecting standardized test scores after admissions decisions have been made. Recent case studies provide insight into how colleges and universities are communicating their testing policies and incorporating test scores in varied and innovative ways, including for advising, placement, and academic support.

SAT and College Enrollment

Learn how the SAT informs college recruitment, admission, and success.