Most Schools Require One for Admission
The National Center for Fair and Open Testing reports there are over 830 colleges that admit substantial numbers of degree-seeking applicants without using the SAT or ACT tests. There are, however, over 4,100 higher education institutions in the United States. This means that the vast majority of colleges and universities require either the SAT or the ACT test for admission to their school. This should be reason enough to convince any family about the importance of taking either the ACT or SAT.
If that isn’t a good enough reason, how about money?
Of course colleges and universities are using the ACT and SAT to compare students across the country to one another. And yes, some elite schools require certain minimum test scores as a pre-requisite for admission so your ACT or SAT score may prevent you from attending one of those highly selective institutions. But your ACT or SAT test score is also used to help determine how much money you are eligible to receive. Many colleges and universities have a schedule of financial awards which indicate what aid a student may receive based upon their standardized test scores. Without those scores, the extra money may be difficult or impossible to acquire.
Did we mention money?
Colleges frequently award financial aid based upon where you place academically within the incoming freshman class and your ACT or SAT score is the easiest way for them to determine where you rank against all the other applicants. If you elect to apply without a standardized test, you make it more difficult for the university to rank you. One cardinal rule of business which definitely applies here – if you are looking to get money out of someone, make it as easy as possible for them to give it to you.