Is the SAT necessary for graduation?

Hey everyone, I was just wondering if taking the SAT is a requirement for graduating from high school. And if it's not, do most colleges still expect to see SAT scores from applicants? Thanks!

The SAT is not a requirement for graduating from high school, as graduation requirements vary by state and local school districts. High schools generally require a certain number of credits, including specific coursework and sometimes community service hours, to graduate. However, standardized tests like the SAT or ACT are often used for college admissions purposes.

With regard to college admissions, many colleges and universities in the United States have adopted test-optional policies in recent years, which means that applicants have the choice to submit their SAT (or ACT) scores, but are not required to do so. While some highly selective colleges have returned to requiring standardized test scores (such as Dartmouth, Harvard, and Purdue), others remain test-optional (like Columbia, Princeton, Stanford, and UPenn) for the time being. It is essential to research the specific admissions requirements of the colleges you are interested in applying to, as policies vary by institution.

In summary, taking the SAT is not a requirement for high school graduation but can be an important factor in college admissions depending on the schools you're targeting. It's crucial to be familiar with the admissions requirements for each college on your list to ensure you're preparing appropriately.