As Colleges Reconsider Testing Requirements, Huntington Learning Center Reports Rising Demand for SAT and ACT Preparation

Huntington Learning Center finds parents increasingly concerned about academic readiness, grade inflation, and college admissions competitiveness

ORADELL, N.J., June 24, 2026 (Newswire.com)
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For years, families were told standardized tests mattered less in the college admissions process. But as an increasing number of selective colleges and universities reinstate testing requirements. Huntington Learning Center is seeing renewed demand for test preparation and college readiness support nationwide.

According to a recent survey of Huntington Learning Center franchise locations across the country, nearly half of centers report increased demand for SAT and ACT preparation over the past year, reflecting growing concern among families about academic readiness and college admissions competitiveness.

The findings come amid a broader national conversation about the role of standardized testing in higher education. While many colleges remain test-optional, several highly selective institutions have reinstated testing requirements in recent admissions cycles, citing the need for consistent academic measures and concerns about grade inflation.

“Families are increasingly looking for objective ways to understand where their students stand academically,” said Anne Huntington Sharma, President and CEO of Huntington Learning Center. “Whether a college requires test scores or not, many students are still choosing to take the SAT or ACT because strong scores can strengthen applications, support scholarship opportunities, and provide valuable insight into college readiness.”

Key findings from Huntington’s nationwide center survey include:

• Nearly 85% of Huntington Learning Center locations report parents expressing concerns that grades may not accurately reflect their child’s academic abilities.

• 61% of centers report students are arriving with larger academic skill gaps than they observed just two years ago.

• Nearly 80% of centers report increased concerns about student math readiness.

• 70% of centers say students are entering high school less prepared for advanced mathematics coursework.

• 61% of centers report increased inquiries and enrollments for reading support programs.

• 46% of centers report increased SAT and ACT preparation inquiries over the past year.

The results suggest that many parents are seeking greater clarity around academic performance at a time when classroom grading practices, learning disruptions, and changing admissions policies have made it more difficult to assess student preparedness.

“Parents are telling us they want a clearer picture of how prepared their children are for college-level work,” said Sharma. “Grades remain important, but many families are looking for additional indicators of readiness, whether that’s standardized testing, academic assessments, or demonstrated skill development and that is why these test play such an important roll.”

Huntington leadership say today’s students often need more than test-taking strategies. Increasingly, families are seeking comprehensive academic support that addresses foundational learning gaps, study skills, executive functioning, and confidence-building alongside college entrance exam preparation with The Center for Research and Reform in Education Johns Hopkins University study to back up that statement.

While artificial intelligence continues to transform many aspects of education, Huntington believes personalized instruction remains essential for student success.

“Whether students ultimately submit scores or not, preparing for college admissions starts long before senior year,” Sharma added. “The earlier families identify strengths and areas for growth, the more opportunities students have to build the skills and confidence they need to succeed.”

As families prepare for the upcoming school year and college application season, Huntington encourages parents to begin evaluating academic readiness early rather than waiting until testing deadlines approach.

If you’re wondering whether your child is on track, starting with a clear assessment is the best next step, find the closest Huntington to you, https://huntingtonhelps.com/location/.

To learn more about Huntington’s tutoring and SAT/ACT prep programs, call 1 800 CAN LEARN or visit www.huntingtonhelps.com.

About Huntington Learning Center

For nearly 50 years, Huntington Learning Center has helped students build the skills, confidence, and motivation needed to succeed in school and beyond. Huntington provides personalized tutoring and test preparation programs for K-12 students through both in-center and online instruction. With hundreds of locations nationwide, Huntington offers individualized academic evaluations and customized learning plans designed to help students reach their full potential.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Chelsea Kershaw
MBP Consultants
Chelsea@MBPConsultants.com
909-573-7237

SOURCE: Huntington Learning Center

Source: Huntington Learning Center