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<p>Every top 200-ish college I am aware of accepts SAT and ACT. And almost every other college. At some colleges they are OPTIONAL. So you don’t have to provide them at those schools, they are willing to take all of your other qualifications into account and not have that information. But most schools do require one or the other.</p>
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<p>I think every college wants a transcript and GPA. Colleges are trying to look at the full picture, as much info as they can on you to figure out whether you would fit in and succeed there.</p>
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<p>I wouldn’t discount it. If your GPA is over about 3.7 unweighted, most top schools will keep considering you IF your test scores are strong. My kid had a 3.7 (not terrific by CC standards), no hook, and a 2380 SAT (and subject tests 800 Math II and 800 Lit). She got into some top colleges (eg, U of Chicago and Swarthmore). Without the test scores, I doubt she would have been accepted.</p>
<p>So I don’t think “scam” is the proper word. IMHO, the College Board (who runs the SAT) has too much power in college admissions and takes too much of our money (SAT I, Subject Tests, score choice, AP tests, and CSS Profile – I figure we paid them about $500 during D2’s junior/senior years). So that part is frustrating. But the tests themselves are not a “scam”. They are pretty important in the college admissions process, so take them seriously, study, and do your best.</p>