SAT/ACT in 2026: The "Test-Optional" Trap

Many US colleges went "Test-Optional" post-pandemic.

The Trap: "Optional" means "Submit if it helps you." For an international student from India (especially State Boards or competitive CBSE schools), a high SAT score (1500+) is a Standardized Validator.

It proves your English and Math are on par with US standards.

It differentiates you from the thousands of other Indian applicants who are submitting scores.

Pericles Verdict: If you can score in the top percentile of the college's average, SUBMIT IT. MIT, Georgetown, and others have already brought it back. The trend is returning to testing.