Five short years ago, taking the SAT and ACT appeared to be an immutable component of the college application process: most colleges and universities mandated them. However, following pandemic quarantines and test access issues, nearly all schools embraced the test-optional trend.
Now, once again, changes are underway. With the SAT fully transitioning to online in the US this month, the standardized testing policies of universities and colleges are in a state of flux, with some maintaining test-optional policies while others have reinstated testing requirements. For students navigating the college application process, these changes can amplify uncertainties during an already stressful period.
Highlighting the renewed interest in standardized testing, Dartmouth University last month announced that all future US-based applicants must submit SAT or ACT scores; international students may submit AP scores or IB/A-level predicted grades as an alternative. Yale followed suit, but made its policy “test flexible,” meaning AP and IB scores would also be accepted. The two Ivy League schools have joined MIT, Purdue, Georgetown, Georgia Tech, and a few others by reinstating test score requirements. MIT justified its stance in 2022 by stating, "We believe a requirement is more equitable and transparent than a test-optional policy.”
These institutions are pivoting away from test-optional policies due to concerns about the loss of valuable data. Educators argue that in an era of grade inflation, standardized test scores may serve as the most reliable predictor of future academic success, particularly for students lacking resources for extracurricular activities. The tests provide an objective benchmark irrespective of high school quality. MIT and Dartmouth state that considering test scores actually helps them identify and admit more well-prepared students from less-advantaged backgrounds.
While Yale and Dartmouth embraced test scores, the University of Michigan simultaneously adopted a test-optional policy after resisting it for years. The Ann Arbor-based school follows the lead of the University of California system, which became entirely test-blind in 2021.
What's notable about these recent decisions by universities—whether to require testing or remain test-optional—is that all aim to enhance accessibility and diversity in the admissions process. Although many schools maintain their test-optional stance for now, further changes seem inevitable.
Ivy Options encourages students to maximize their college admissions potential with strong SAT or ACT scores by tapping into our private tutoring packages or by devising their own personalized study plan. Data suggests that including excellent SAT or ACT scores along with a strong high school GPA, can offer an advantage over those who choose not to submit. Please contact info@ivyoptions.com.