s.a.t. to students. >> reporter: the s.a.t. has drawn fire from critics for decades. a 2021 study shows that admissions tests discriminate against minority and low-income students at selective colleges. are the s.a.t.s still relevant with so many schools going test optional? >> not really. >> reporter: in fact, some of the most prestigious schools in the country have dropped the s.a.t., schools like princeton, stanford, and notre dame all make test scores optional on their applications. >> it's an inaccurate predictor. it's highly coachable. it's biased against many important populations. and, most importantly, schools don't need it. >> reporter: nearly 80% of schools no longer require the test, despite high interest in the s.a.t. from some students, like natalia cossio. >> it's like a confidence booster if you get a really good score. >> reporter: maybe a boost of confidence, but no longer a barrier for students striving for their dream school. meg oliver, cbs news.