Exams that are often optional

SATS

These standardized tests are commonly taken by high school juniors and seniors for college admissions in the U.S. and include sections like Math and Evidence-Based Reading.

This clue refers to the SATs, which are standardized tests many U.S. high school students take for college admissions. The word "optional" hints at how some schools no longer require them, making them a common but not mandatory part of applications. "Exams" directly points to the test format, while "SATs" fits as the well-known abbreviation for the Scholastic Assessment Test. The plural "SATs" is often used colloquially, even though the official name is just SAT.