Most players think recruiting is all about soccer ability. And yes, being a good player is critical.

But here’s what many players don’t realize: Your SAT or ACT score can unlock thousands of dollars in academic merit scholarships—money that stacks on top of athletic scholarships in some divisions.

Higher test scores also open doors to academically competitive schools that wouldn’t recruit you otherwise.

This guide breaks down how standardized tests affect your recruiting and why you should take them seriously.

Do You Need SAT or ACT Scores to Play College Soccer?

It depends on the school.

Many colleges are now “test-optional,” meaning they don’t require SAT or ACT scores for admission. However, even at test-optional schools, submitting strong scores can help you:

Qualify for merit scholarships

Meet NCAA eligibility requirements

Strengthen your admissions profile

Bottom line: Take the SAT or ACT even if schools say it’s optional. You’ll have more opportunities with scores than without them.

NCAA Eligibility and Test Scores

To play NCAA Division I or Division II sports, you must meet minimum academic standards set by the NCAA Eligibility Center.

Division I Requirements

You need to meet a sliding scale based on your GPA and test scores:

3.0 GPA: Minimum SAT 1010 or ACT 86 (sum of subscores)

2.5 GPA: Minimum SAT 1070 or ACT 90

2.0 GPA: Minimum SAT 1210 or ACT 105

The lower your GPA, the higher your test scores need to be.

Division II Requirements

Similar sliding scale, but slightly more lenient than D1.

Division III Requirements

D3 schools don’t use NCAA standardized eligibility requirements. Each school sets its own admissions standards, and many are test-optional.

How Test Scores Unlock Scholarships

This is where test scores really matter:

Academic Merit Scholarships

Many schools award merit scholarships based on GPA and test scores. These scholarships can be worth $10,000-$25,000 per year—money that reduces your family’s out-of-pocket cost.

Example merit scholarship tiers:

SAT 1200-1299: $15,000/year

SAT 1300-1399: $20,000/year

SAT 1400+: $25,000/year

A 100-point improvement on the SAT could be worth $20,000 over four years.

Stacking Scholarships (D2 and NAIA)

In Division II and NAIA, you can stack athletic and academic scholarships. This makes your total financial aid package significantly larger.

Example:

Athletic scholarship: 40% ($16,000)

Academic merit scholarship: $20,000

Total: $36,000/year

Without the test scores to qualify for merit aid, you’d only get the $16,000 athletic scholarship.

Test-Optional Schools: Should You Still Submit Scores?

Yes, if your scores are competitive.

Test-optional means scores are optional for admission, not for scholarships. Many test-optional schools still require scores for merit scholarships.

Rule of thumb: If your SAT is 1200+ or ACT is 25+, submit your scores. They’ll help.

When to Take the SAT or ACT

Sophomore year: Take a practice test to establish a baseline
Junior year (fall): Take the real SAT or ACT for the first time
Junior year (spring): Retake if needed to improve your score
Senior year (fall): Final chance to retake if you’re still improving

Most students take the test 2-3 times. Scores typically improve with each attempt.

SAT vs ACT: Which Should You Take?

Take both practice tests and see which one you score higher on.

SAT strengths:

More time per question

No science section

Calculator allowed on some math sections

ACT strengths:

More straightforward questions

Includes a science section (good for STEM students)

Some students find it easier to finish on time

Colleges accept both equally, so choose whichever you score higher on.

How to Improve Your Test Scores

1. Take a Prep Course or Hire a Tutor

Test prep is worth the investment. A $500 prep course that raises your SAT by 100 points could unlock $20,000 in scholarships.

2. Use Free Resources

Khan Academy offers free SAT prep. ACT has official practice tests on their website.

3. Take Practice Tests Under Real Conditions

Simulate test day: set a timer, sit at a desk, and take a full-length practice test with no breaks. This builds stamina and reduces test-day anxiety.

4. Focus on Your Weak Areas

If math is dragging down your score, spend extra time on math practice. Targeted improvement is more effective than generic studying.

Test Scores and Academic Fit

Your test scores also determine which schools will recruit you academically.

Some academically competitive schools (Ivy League, top D3 liberal arts colleges) won’t recruit players whose test scores fall below their admissions standards—even if you’re a talented player.

Example:

Williams College (D3) middle 50% SAT range: 1420-1550

If your SAT is 1200, Williams likely won’t recruit you, even if you’re a strong player

Check each school’s admissions profile (available on their website) to see if your scores are competitive.

International Students and Standardized Tests

If you’re an international player, many U.S. colleges require:

SAT or ACT scores

TOEFL or IELTS for English proficiency

Check each school’s international student requirements.

The ROI of Test Prep

Let’s do the math:

Scenario 1: No test prep

SAT score: 1100

Merit scholarship: $10,000/year

4-year total: $40,000

Scenario 2: $500 test prep course

SAT score improves to 1250

Merit scholarship: $20,000/year

4-year total: $80,000

Net gain: $40,000 – $500 = $39,500

Test prep is one of the highest-ROI investments you can make in your recruiting process.

Take Action This Week

Take a practice SAT and ACT to see which one you score higher on

Register for the real test (aim for fall of junior year)

Research merit scholarships at schools on your target list

Invest in test prep if your current scores aren’t where you want them

Your test scores won’t make you a better soccer player, but they will unlock more recruiting opportunities and more scholarship money. Take them seriously.

Academics and athletics go hand-in-hand in college recruiting. Don’t let weak test scores limit your options.