Since many schools are test-optional, why does Cardinal Education still recommend SAT/ACT preparation?

That’s a very common question, and it gets right to the heart of the current admissions landscape. While many schools are test-optional, based on our experience, we know that high scores on the SAT or ACT remain a significant advantage, particularly for competitive universities. If your child’s GPA or high school course rigor isn’t top-tier, a strong test score can act as a powerful differentiating factor proving their academic readiness. Furthermore, the skills gained during test prep sessions, like taking an SAT practice test or an ACT practice test, sharpen academic discipline and time management. As we have proven many times, submitting a competitive score is simply the best way to boost your child’s college application and maximize their chances for admission.