Back to Basics: Standardized Testing Returns to More College Admissions
College admissions are once again changing for some top colleges and universities, and one of the hot topics is the shifting policies around standardized testing.
Universities like the University of Pennsylvania and Ohio State University are making pivotal changes to their SAT® and ACT® requirements, sparking a lot of conversations about the best ways to assess a student's readiness for college.
The Shift at the University of Pennsylvania
The University of Pennsylvania has decided to continue with a test-optional policy, allowing students to choose whether they want to submit their SAT® or ACT® scores. This approach underscores its commitment to a holistic admissions process while still recognizing the value that these scores can add to an application.
The University of Pennsylvania's decision to extend its test-optional policy recognizes that standardized test scores can enhance an application, especially for students who perform well on these exams. For these applicants, high test scores can serve as a significant advantage, demonstrating academic readiness and the ability to handle college-level coursework. In this way, UPenn ensures that students who have invested time and effort into preparing for standardized tests can still use their scores to bolster their applications.
Moreover, by continuing with a test-optional policy, UPenn sends a message that while test scores are valued, they are just one part of a broader assessment. This approach allows students who may excel in other areas to showcase their strengths without being overshadowed by their test performance. It provides flexibility and encourages a diverse applicant pool, which enriches the learning environment and community at the university.
UPenn’s policy appreciates the role standardized tests can play in providing valuable information about a student's academic abilities. It encourages students who are strong testers to submit their scores, potentially giving them a leg up in the competitive admissions process, while also accommodating those who feel their scores might not fully reflect their potential.
For more detailed insights into UPenn's policies, you can read about their decision here.
Ohio State University Reinstates Testing Requirements
On the other hand, Ohio State University has decided to reinstate SAT®/ACT® requirements for applicants in 2026. This marks a significant return to traditional college admissions criteria. This decision is grounded in the belief that standardized tests are an important tool for assessing a student's readiness and ability to succeed at the collegiate level.
Rationale Behind the Decision
Ohio State views standardized tests as a valuable benchmark that provides a consistent and objective measure of academic achievement and potential. The reinstatement of the SAT®/ACT® requirement is aimed at ensuring that all students admitted to the university have met a uniform standard of educational preparedness. This approach helps the admissions committee identify students who are likely to thrive in a rigorous academic environment.
Potential Benefits for Students and the Institution
Clarity and Predictability: For students, the clear expectations around test scores can demystify the application process. Knowing that test scores are a significant component of their application can motivate students to prepare thoroughly, leading to better overall preparation for college-level work.
Academic Preparedness: Standardized tests help ensure that students possess the critical reading, mathematical, and analytical skills necessary for success in college courses. For Ohio State, this means a student body that is well-equipped to handle the demands of its programs, potentially leading to higher retention and graduation rates.
Fair Comparison: While high school curricula can vary widely in content and rigor, standardized tests provide a common metric by which to evaluate all applicants. This can be particularly important for comparing students from different educational backgrounds, creating a more diverse and capable student cohort.
Meritocracy and Motivation: For students who excel in standardized testing, the requirement represents an opportunity to showcase their strengths in a quantifiable way. This can be especially empowering for students from less recognized high schools and regions to prove their capabilities on a larger stage.
By reinstating these testing requirements, Ohio State reaffirms its commitment to a merit-based admissions process that values academic excellence and preparedness. This policy not only underscores the importance of standardized testing in the university's admissions strategy but also aligns with the goals of many students and educators who believe in the efficacy of these assessments to prepare students for future challenges.
You can read Ohio State’s announcement here.
Implications for ACT® and SAT® Prep
The focus of test prep should always be on maximizing students' readiness, regardless of the policy at their dream schools.
For Schools with Test-Optional Policies like the University of Pennsylvania and Yale, where students can choose whether to submit their test scores, the strategy, of course, becomes more flexible. Here's what students need to consider:
Self-Assessment: Students should evaluate their strengths. If standardized tests are a strong suit, submitting a high score can provide an edge, even at test-optional schools.
Balanced Preparation: Focus on both test prep and other critical areas like essays and extracurriculars. This dual focus ensures that students are well-rounded and prepared for any component of the application that might catch an admissions officer’s eye.
Consultation: Discuss with your clients to decide if their test scores truly reflect their capabilities and align with the median scores of admitted students. This can help clients to make an informed decision about submitting their scores.
For Schools Reinstating Testing Requirements like Ohio State, MIT, Cornell, Georgetown, Perdue, and Dartmouth, where SAT® or ACT® scores are back on the admissions checklist, the implications are more straightforward:
Structured Timeline: Students need to start their test prep earlier and possibly intensify it to ensure they meet or exceed the required scores. Setting a study schedule that builds up to the test dates is crucial.
Focus on Mastery: Emphasize mastering the content and strategies specific to each section of the SAT® or ACT®. This means regular practice tests and review sessions.
These policy changes are crucial as they greatly influence how students prepare for college admissions, shifting the focus from just cracking the SAT® or ACT® to a more holistic preparation approach.
As policies continue to evolve, staying adaptable and informed is the key. Whether it’s honing in on test-taking skills or building a well-rounded portfolio, the goal remains the same: to open doors to potential higher education opportunities.
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