Why Are U.S. Universities “Rekindling” Their Relationship with Standardized Tests (SAT/ACT)?

In 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic struck, SAT and ACT testing centers closed, forcing approximately 2,000 colleges and universities in the U.S. to adopt “test-optional” policies (allowing applicants to apply without submitting standardized test scores like SAT/ACT). This decision significantly increased the number of applicants, particularly from underrepresented groups (due to financial, racial, or religious factors).

However, as the pandemic subsided in recent years, some Ivy League universities (elite U.S. institutions like Harvard, Columbia, and Cornell) and several public universities have reinstated the SAT/ACT requirement in admissions. These include schools like MIT, Yale, Dartmouth, and Brown, as well as institutions within the Georgia and Florida state systems.

The rationale behind this shift is the recognition that standardized tests provide a more reliable measure of applicants’ potential compared to GPAs, essays, and recommendation letters. Surprisingly, research shows that standardized test scores can help less advantaged applicants stand out to admissions committees. While not every student can afford expensive SAT prep services, the widespread availability of testing centers gives all candidates an opportunity to perform well on these exams. Yet, this is only part of the story.

For Ivy League schools, the decision to reinstate standardized testing aligns with their “meritocracy” philosophy: the belief that exceptional individuals, regardless of their background, deserve success and influence. For public universities, political pressures play a role in this decision, as many financial aid programs in the U.S. require evidence of academic achievement, including standardized test scores.

The decision to “rekindle ties” with standardized tests has sparked considerable debate. Critics worry that it may increase inequalities among applicants from low-income or minority backgrounds. In a follow-up article, MADS will delve deeper into the issues of racial and financial inequality in SAT/ACT standardized testing.