Why Smart Parents Are Investing in SAT Prep Before It’s Too Late

“Is the SAT or ACT needed in 2026?”

This has become an essential question since COVID-19 and the implementation of test-optional admission policies across many colleges and universities. As we approach 2026, many families are asking: Do students still need to take the SAT or ACT? Are these tests still important?

The short answer is, for most students, yes, they are still needed and important. Especially if a student plans to attend one of the following Georgia schools:

Augusta University
Georgia College and State University
Georgia Southern University
Georgia State University
Georgia Tech
Kennesaw State University
University of Georgia

Starting in Fall 2026, SAT and ACT scores will be mandatory for admission into these seven schools. This means that all students graduating high school after 2026 will be required to earn a minimum SAT or ACT score to be admitted directly after high school. While some students may be able to transfer in later by meeting certain college GPA requirements, those planning to go straight from high school to these universities will need qualifying test scores.

The SAT or ACT is also mandatory for students who want to receive the Zell Miller Scholarship. The Zell Miller Scholarship is for Georgia residents who attend college in Georgia and is funded by the Georgia Lottery for Education. It is a step above the more commonly known HOPE Scholarship. Unlike HOPE, the Zell Miller Scholarship requires a minimum SAT or ACT score to qualify.

Many colleges, especially in Georgia, are moving away from the test-optional trend and returning to pre-COVID admission standards. Zell Miller and many other competitive scholarships still depend on standardized test scores. Because of this, in 2026, the SAT and ACT remain important and, for many students, absolutely necessary.