Standardized Testing: Admissions, Recruiting, and NIL

For today’s high school student-athletes, standardized testing can feel confusing, optional, or even irrelevant. With shifting admissions policies and mixed messaging around test-optional schools, it’s easy to underestimate the role tests like the SAT and ACT still play. The reality is more nuanced. When approached strategically, standardized testing remains a powerful tool across college admissions, athletic recruitment, and even NIL opportunities. 

That’s why Polaris Athlete partners with Revolution Prep, ensuring every Polaris Athlete receives two free hours of professional test prep to start building confidence in the process.

Standardized Testing and College Admissions

For many years, college admissions professionals advocated to make standardized tests less important. Because of our shared belief that students are more than a single test score, they worked hard to change the rules. And they did! It was incredible and today The National Center for Fair & Open Testing, also known as FairTest, lists 2,000+ institutions that are ACT/SAT optional.

But then Covid hit us all and high schools did their best to respond to the new reality that the pandemic presented. In doing so, grade inflation spiked across the entire education system and that paired with test-optional and test-free admissions created a tsunami of applications being submitted. 

Today many higher education institutions are reverting back to standardized testing as an evaluation tool.

And while many institutions remain test-optional, standardized test scores can still strengthen an application, especially for student-athletes. Strong scores may open doors to more selective institutions, merit-based scholarships, honors programs, and academic support pathways. For athletes balancing demanding schedules, testing can also serve as an objective data point that confirms academic readiness when grades or course rigor may vary by school. We view standardized testing not as a requirement, but as an opportunity. When prepared intentionally, it gives student-athletes another way to advocate for themselves in the admissions process.

Standardized Testing and Athletic Recruitment

In athletic recruitment, academics matter more than many families realize. Coaches are recruiting the whole student, not just the athlete. Test scores can influence a coach’s ability to support a recruit through admissions, roster decisions, and academic eligibility conversations. In some cases, a strong score can be the difference between being recruitable at a particular level or school. Even in test-optional environments, many coaches still ask for scores early in the recruiting process to assess fit and institutional flexibility.

Preparing for standardized testing helps student-athletes expand, not limit, their recruiting options. It signals that you’re serious about your academic pursuits as much as your athletic.

Standardized Testing and NIL Partnerships

As NIL continues to evolve, brands are increasingly looking for student-athletes who represent more than athletic performance. Academic credibility, professionalism, and the ability to communicate effectively all matter.

While test scores are not directly tied to NIL deals, they are often correlated with traits brands value: discipline, preparation, time management, and the ability to perform under pressure. Student-athletes who demonstrate strong academic habits tend to navigate contracts, brand relationships, and long-term opportunities with greater confidence and credibility.

We see this as a key differentiator. Brands are reviewing countless pitches from talented student-athletes. When you can show that you created a plan, followed through on preparation, and completed the testing process, even when it was not your favorite thing to do, it signals reliability and follow-through. Those qualities matter when brands are deciding who they trust to represent them.

Taking the Next Step

At Polaris Athlete, we believe standardized testing should be strategic, supported, and stress-aware. Starting early and planning ahead reduces pressure and gives student-athletes more control over the process. Through our partnership with Revolution Prep, every Polaris Athlete receives two free hours of test prep, helping students build a plan that fits their schedule and goals. Whether your student-athlete is focused on admissions, recruitment, or future NIL opportunities, test prep is an investment in confidence and optionality.

If you’re ready to help your student-athlete take control of their testing journey, reach out to learn more about test prep support through Polaris Athlete and Revolution Prep.