Do Monaco students need SAT or ACT scores if many U.S. colleges are test-optional?

This is one of the most common questions from Monaco families, and our answer is a resounding, “Yes!. While many U.S. universities remain “test-optional,” competitive institutions—including Ivy League and top-tier schools—still value strong SAT or ACT scores. Submitting impressive results can give your child an edge over other applicants, especially international competitors. Test scores serve as proof of academic readiness, particularly for students coming from European systems that may be less familiar to American admissions officers. Preparing for the SAT or ACT shows initiative and seriousness, which admissions committees notice. Our advice for Monaco families: treat test prep as an important part of the application strategy, not an optional extra.