Up to this point, I’ve shared everything I did to study for the SAT.

So naturally, people ask:

• “Do you really have to go THAT far for one test?”
• “Is the SAT even important anymore?”

Here’s the honest, realistic answer.

🎯 1. The SAT Still Matters — Even in the Test-Optional Era

It’s true:

• Since COVID-19,

• and because of concerns about fairness (economic background, race, unequal access),

  the SAT’s influence has decreased.

Test centers closed, schools went test-optional, and everyone claimed admissions were becoming “holistic.”

But decreased ≠ disappeared.

Even now, the SAT remains one of the clearest indicators of an applicant’s academic tier — especially for international students.

📌 Past vs. Present

Before:

• 2300+ / 2400 = strong odds at Top 15 schools

Now:

• Even 1550+ doesn’t guarantee anything.
• Realistically? It’s a gamble.

📌 Competition Has Exploded