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Standardized Testing Guide for First Gen and/or Low Income Students

College Essay Guy

This probably won’t come as a surprise to you, but standardized testing (as in, the SAT and ACT) can have disparate negative impacts on first generation and/or low income (FGLI) students compared with wealthier students. So don’t confuse how well you do on a standardized test with how well you can do in college and life.

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University of Miami Reinstates Standardized Testing

Top Tier Admissions

Starting with the Fall 2026 application cycle, undergraduate applicants will once again be required to submit standardized test scores (SAT or ACT) as part of their application. This marks a shift from the test-optional policy adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

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5 American Colleges with the Most Grueling Standardized Testing Requirements for First-Year Applicants

Admissions.Blog

This means it’s an important time for members of the high school Class of 2026 – especially those who want to run the gauntlet this admissions cycle – to be aware of the the five colleges with the most grueling standardized test requirements for first-year admission. Why Grueling: MIT’s 4.1%

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The State of Digital Standardized Testing

HelloCollege

A lot has changed with the ACT and SAT over the last 20 years. The SAT changed the format of the test in 2005, and again in 2016, and again in 2024. The ACT introduced an optional Writing section in 2005 and had minimal changes up until this year. The ACT seems to have learned by watching the SATs mistakes the year prior.

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Should I Take the SAT or ACT?

HelloCollege

Deciding “should I take the SAT or ACT?” Both tests are important, but they differ significantly in format, content, and timing, which can impact your performance and readiness for college. What about the ACT? How many questions are on the ACT, and how fast do you have to work to answer them?

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Do You Need Both ACT and SAT for College?​

Peterson's Blog

Standardized test scores, like the SAT and ACT, determine academic readiness and skills for entering university. While it may be beneficial to take both tests, this blog will answer the question, “Do you need both ACT and SAT for college? What Are the ACT and SAT?

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What Does Harvard University Look For? Requirements + Tips

AdmissionSight

Standardized test scores Harvard has reinstated its requirement for standardized test scores beginning with the class of 2029, meaning applicants must now submit SAT or ACT results as part of their application. scale) SAT Score 1500-1580 ACT Score 34-36 Successful applicants typically: Maintain a high GPA.