Tens of Thousands Are Sitting for the SAT—But Only the Savvy Ones See a Massive Opportunity

Why Tens of Thousands of Students Taking the SAT Right Now Should See It as an Opportunity
By Dr. Shaan Patel, CEO & Founder of Prep Expert®

Across the country, tens of thousands of students are spending their Saturday taking the SAT. Not because they’re being punished with an extra day of school, but because they’re stepping into one of the most important milestones in the college admissions process. For many, it’s a nerve-racking moment, the pressure, the timing, the stakes. But it’s also one of the few opportunities students still have to take control of their academic future.

Even in a world where many colleges call themselves “test-optional,” the SAT and ACT continue to play a major role in admissions, scholarships, and long-term financial planning. And right now, with a government shutdown complicating FAFSA timelines and admissions deadlines approaching fast, test scores matter more than many families realize.

Here’s what students and parents need to understand about testing, admissions, and financial aid this year.

Strong SAT Scores Still Give Students a Significant Advantage

In interviews, I’ve emphasized one point repeatedly: test-optional does not mean test-irrelevant.

When students ask whether they should still submit SAT or ACT scores, my answer is the same: absolutely, yes, if you can score competitively. The data shows that at test-optional schools, applicants who submit strong test scores have 2 to 3 times higher acceptance rates than those who don’t.

Why? Because standardized tests help admissions officers differentiate between thousands of applicants who all have high GPAs, leadership titles, and polished extracurricular lists. With GPA inflation at an all-time high nationwide, test scores restore an objective metric in an otherwise subjective process.

Students who submit strong scores give colleges something clear and comparable, and colleges reward that.

SAT Scores Are Also a Gateway to Major Merit Scholarships

Admissions matter, but affordability matters more. I often tell families that a strong test score can sometimes be more valuable than an acceptance itself. That’s because:

• Many universities award large merit scholarships based on SAT or ACT scores
• Thousands of private scholarships require or consider standardized test results
• Strong scores reduce reliance on federal or private loans, lowering long-term debt

At a time when student debt has crossed $2 trillion, reducing college costs isn’t just smart, it’s essential. A single afternoon of testing, combined with focused preparation, can translate into tens of thousands of dollars in savings.

What Students Should Be Doing Between Now and Regular Decision Deadlines

The early action deadline has passed, but the regular decision period is now just weeks away. Most colleges require applications by January 1st, which means students have a limited window to finalize their materials.

Here’s what students need to focus on immediately:

• Proofread every essay carefully — small errors can send the wrong message.
• Confirm transcripts, class schedules, and counselor forms are complete.
• Follow up on recommendation letters to ensure they’re submitted on time.
• Double-check every college portal for additional requirements or supplements.
• Finalize financial aid documents, including FAFSA and CSS Profile.

This period is where details matter. A missed form or incomplete document can derail an otherwise strong application.

Don’t Let AI Write Your College Essay

It’s no secret that students are increasingly tempted to use generative AI to draft their personal statements. But as I’ve shared publicly, that is a huge mistake.

Many admissions offices now use AI-detection tools to identify essays that sound robotic or overly polished. These tools aren’t perfect, but they’re good enough to raise red flags, and when your future depends on one essay, you cannot afford to take that risk.

AI is a helpful tool for brainstorming ideas or light editing, but the writing must be your own. Imperfections aren’t a weakness; they’re often the most memorable parts of a real, compelling story. Authenticity wins over perfection every time.

FAFSA Is Still Open — and Students Should File Immediately

The government shutdown has caused confusion for millions of families. While many federal employees are furloughed and processing is slowed, the FAFSA portal remains open.

Students can and should file right now.

Because FAFSA applications are timestamped, they are processed in the order they’re received once federal operations resume. If you wait, you risk being stuck behind millions of students, delaying your aid package, jeopardizing grants or losing out on limited campus-based aid that is truly first-come, first-served.

I always tell families:

“The earlier you file, the sooner you’re processed, and the more funding you’re likely to receive.”

A student’s financial future shouldn’t be held hostage by political gridlock. Filing early ensures your place in line, no matter what happens next.

A Bigger Picture: Preparation Creates Opportunity

Watching tens of thousands of students take the SAT today is a reminder of something I deeply believe: standardized tests, when used properly, expand opportunity. They give students from every background, wealthy or working-class, public school or private, a chance to demonstrate skill, strategy, and academic readiness on a level playing field.

And in a year filled with uncertainty, from unpredictable admissions policies to FAFSA delays, preparation remains the single most reliable predictor of success.

Whether it’s test prep, scholarship planning, or financial aid strategy, the students who approach their goals with discipline and intention are the ones who win.

Final Thoughts

To every student taking the SAT right now: this is more than just a test day. It’s a chance to strengthen your application, unlock scholarship opportunities, and take control of your college path.

Don’t underestimate what a strong score can do. Don’t hesitate to apply early for aid. And don’t let this moment pass you by.

You have more power in this process than you think, and preparation will always be the difference-maker.

—

Dr. Shaan Patel is a Shark Tank winner, bestselling author, and founder of Prep Expert®, an education company that has helped students improve test scores, win scholarships, and gain admission to top universities. He scored a perfect SAT and is passionate about expanding access to education worldwide.