Originally posted March 21, 2024. Updated March 10, 2025.
In March 2024, we explored the shifting landscape of standardized testing in college admissions, noting a trend toward test-optional policies (see below for the original blog post).
Over the past year, however, several prominent institutions have reinstated testing requirements, signaling a renewed emphasis on standardized assessments.
Notable Institutions Reinstating Testing Requirements
Several universities have recently announced the reinstatement of standardized testing requirements:
University of Pennsylvania: Beginning with the 2025-2026 admissions cycle, Penn will require applicants to submit SAT or ACT scores. This decision aims to bring clarity and transparency to the application process, though waivers will be available for students facing hardships in accessing testing.
University of Miami: Starting with the upcoming admissions cycle, Miami will require most applicants to submit standardized test scores. The university cites data indicating that these scores can be predictors of academic success.
Carnegie Mellon University: For Fall 2026 applicants, Carnegie Mellon has adopted a varied approach:
The School of Computer Science will require SAT or ACT scores.
Other colleges and programs, including the College of Engineering and the Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences, will implement a test-flexible policy.
Implications for Applicants
These policy changes underscore the importance of staying informed about individual college requirements. Applicants should:
Take at Least One SAT or ACT: Even if students are targeting test-optional schools, taking at least one standardized test can serve as a valuable benchmark. Knowing where they stand can help them make informed decisions about whether to submit scores and which colleges to consider.
Verify Testing Policies: Regularly check the admissions websites of target institutions for the most current information on testing requirements.
Read the Fine Print on Test-Optional Policies: At test-optional colleges, students should carefully review the institution’s statement on what test-optional truly means. Some schools may strongly recommend scores for certain programs or use them in holistic admissions considerations.
Prepare Accordingly: If applying to schools reinstating testing mandates, allocate sufficient time for SAT or ACT preparation.
Consider Test-Flexible Options: Understand the nuances of test-flexible policies, which may allow the submission of other standardized assessments or academic indicators in lieu of SAT or ACT scores.
Leverage Strong Scores: For students who perform well on standardized tests, strong SAT or ACT scores can enhance their applications, making them more competitive for admission and scholarships.
Consider Testing for Scholarship Opportunities: Many colleges that do not require standardized test scores for admission may still require them for significant merit-based scholarships. Taking the SAT or ACT could open doors to additional financial aid opportunities.
Conclusion
The evolving landscape of standardized testing in college admissions reflects a dynamic interplay between institutional priorities and student access considerations. As more universities reassess their policies, staying informed and adaptable remains crucial for prospective applicants navigating this changing environment.
Read the Original Post for Context
In a surprising turn of events, highly selective colleges are reverting to standardized testing requirements, with the University of Texas at Austin leading the charge. UT's decision to reinstate testing requirements underscores the growing recognition of the predictive power of test scores in determining academic success. With over 52,000 students and a stellar reputation, UT's move sets a precedent for other public universities to follow suit, marking a significant shift in the collegiate landscape.
As colleges analyze performance data from submitters and non-submitters, the importance of standardized testing becomes increasingly evident. Institutions like MIT, Dartmouth, Yale, and Brown have reinstated testing requirements after finding that test scores significantly impact academic outcomes.
Tried & True closely tracks these testing policies in our College Testing Policies database. For context on the significance of these recent changes it is useful to understand that approximately 2 years ago, our database showed 7 colleges requiring SAT or ACT scores; last year, 14 required scores; as of now (3/21/2024), 33 are requiring scores.
According to UT President Jay Hartzell, students who submitted test scores outperformed non-submitters, highlighting the crucial role of testing in academic placement and success.
The data from UT Austin's recent class further supports the value of standardized testing. Test submitters were 55 percent less likely to have a first-semester GPA below 2.0 and had significantly higher GPAs, on average, compared to non-submitters. This disparity underscores the protective role of testing in ensuring students are academically prepared for college coursework, challenging the notion that GPA alone is a sufficient predictor of academic performance.
Moreover, the resurgence of testing extends beyond individual institutions, with a trend emerging among Southern public universities. Institutions like UNC Chapel Hill, Auburn, and Alabama are considering reinstating testing requirements, signaling a broader shift towards leveraging the predictive power of test scores. This move has the potential to level the playing field in college admissions and promote academic excellence across diverse student populations.
However, not all colleges are embracing this trend. University of Michigan recently committed to test-optional admissions, citing goals of access and diversity. While the debate over testing requirements continues, the return of highly selective institutions to standardized testing underscores the evolving conversation around the role of testing in promoting academic excellence and ensuring equitable access to higher education.
As colleges navigate these changes, one thing remains clear: the resurgence of standardized testing will continue to shape the future of college admissions and have far-reaching implications for students and institutions alike.
For detailed and updated information on college testing requirements, visit our College Testing Policies database.
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