Top Colleges Reinstate ACT/SAT Test Score Requirements
Panic During the Pandemic
Before 2020, a small number of colleges did not require test scores for admission, but the vast majority of top-ranking colleges did. As COVID concerns began to arise, testing centers across the country had to cancel SAT and ACT test dates, preventing students from obtaining test scores for their college applications. Many colleges feared a significant drop in applications and enrollment numbers, so they made a quick reaction to implement test-optional policies.
In recent years, competition at selective schools has continued to rise. Popular colleges have seen record-high application numbers, which indicates that test-optional policies helped drive more interest and revenue from application fees. But while some schools found that test-optional applications helped overall, others started investigating whether test scores ought to still play a prominent role in the admissions process.
Adverse Effects of Test-Optional Admissions
Keep in mind that most colleges did not have time to conduct studies on the impact of test scores prior to adapting their policies during the pandemic. Now, with a few years of student data at their disposal, many colleges have launched internal research studies to evaluate the impact of test-optional admissions. According to statements released by the colleges, current events, such as Supreme Court decisions about affirmative action, also influenced colleges’ decisions to take a closer look at their admissions policies.
“Recent decisions to change testing policies are the natural evolution of our emergence from a COVID environment and adjusting to current realities. Also, those decisions have been influenced by recent landmark judicial decisions regarding race-based policies in higher education, and college’s making adjustments to their selection processes,” said Dillard.
The studies at Dartmouth and Brown had unexpected findings regarding applications from disadvantaged applicants, such as students from low-income or minority households. Researchers discovered that students from these backgrounds often still took the tests and received test scores—high enough scores that would have helped earn acceptances. But due to the confusion surrounding test-optional admissions, these students opted not to send their test scores.
“With the study conducted by Dartmouth and Brown revealing minority and disadvantaged students who were being missed in the admission selection process without the presence of test scores, those schools, along with Yale, were likely candidates for policy changes,” Dillard said.
The Role of Test Scores
Numerous universities have reported that test scores tend to be a stronger indicator of college readiness than high school GPA. Meanwhile, more students take the test every year through school-day and national test administrations. In recent years, many states have even elected to replace statewide assessments with the SAT or ACT tests, signaling that these tests serve as a leading indicator of college preparedness.
“Recent studies draw a positive correlation between test scores and college readiness, even more than grades. On the other hand, with competitive test scores, a student confirms and validates the other academic data points included in their application. From a college’s perspective, scores are not the only thing, or even the most important thing considered, but they could be a clarifying element in their decision,” Dillard said.
Now that three Ivy League colleges and popular public universities have joined MIT and Georgia Tech in requiring test scores, it’s likely that other institutions will follow. However, there are colleges, like Columbia and the University of Michigan, who have announced that they do not intend to reinstate test score requirements in the near future.
“Expect continued changes with others holding steady. There are many schools for which test optional policies are working and are likely to remain,” Dillard said.
Advice For Families Moving Forward
With various testing policies at universities across the U.S., students and their families sometimes struggle with knowing how to best approach the application process. Each college chooses the policy that best serves its institution, but those decisions lead to more confusion for applicants.
“Students who were already preparing for competitive colleges will be ahead of the game and will be ready to apply early with impressive applications, including impressive test scores. But students who assumed that test scores would not matter may discover that some of the schools on their college lists now require them, leaving them to scramble,” Dillard said.
In the current environment, families often benefit most when they seek additional guidance. At KD College Prep, we guide families through the process with test prep and college counseling services. Our advisors, test prep instructors, and college counselors have worked together since 1992 to help students navigate an ever-changing admissions landscape.
“KD’s advice has never changed, offering the same advice we would give our own children. Make sure you are ready to put your best self forward in the college admissions process. That means competitive course selection and grades throughout your high school years, meaningful and impactful activities outside the classroom with learning experiences and leadership growth all along the way—while looking for opportunities to give back to your community and those less fortunate. And yes, being equipped with competitive admission test scores to confirm your achievements,” Dillard said.
Need Help Preparing For College?
For more than 30 years, KD College Prep has taught families how to best position themselves for college admissions success. To learn more about our programs and how we help students, schedule a free consultation with a member of our team.
