Discovery College Consulting

MARCH 4, 2025

Test-optional policies took off during the Covid 19 pandemic, though some institutions, mostly small liberal arts colleges, had adopted these policies in the early 2000s. Recently, some of the most selective colleges in the nation have been reverting to test-required policies. Whats causing the change?

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BestColleges

APRIL 15, 2024

Harvard has reinstituted its standardized test requirement beginning next fall. Studies suggest standardized tests can help increase socioeconomic diversity. Add Harvard to the list of universities reinstating standardized test requirements. Exclamation mark. Don't send it. We won't see it.

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Top Tier Admissions

DECEMBER 23, 2024

The Chronicle of Higher Education recently highlighted the universitys automatic-admit policy, viewed as an affirmative action alternative but also a major factor in UT Austins increasing selectivity. SAT Tutoring Expert one-on-one guidance to boost your score. This decision will be communicated to applicants by January 15.

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AdmissionSight

JUNE 3, 2025

Does Stanford superscore the SAT ? This means the school will take your highest Math and Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) scores from different test dates and combine them into one total score. How Does Stanford Superscore the SAT? Stanford does not have a strict cutoff score for the SAT, but the competition is tough.

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AdmissionSight

MAY 8, 2025

The SAT is now fully digital, marking a significant shift for students preparing for the exam. If youve taken the PSAT recently, youve already experienced the new format, which is administered on a laptop or tablet at testing centers or schools, instead of the traditional paper and pencil. What Is the Digital SAT?

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Admissions Village

JUNE 19, 2024

High School Profile: A document supplied by high schools to colleges that summarizes the school’s grading system, course offerings, standardized test score ranges, and other important data. Test Optiona l: A policy adopted by some colleges where submitting SAT or ACT scores is not mandatory.

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The Koppelman Group

APRIL 6, 2025

Offering a preference or boost to legacy candidates is, after all, pretty standard at top school in the US. This has been their policy for a long time for at least two decades, and up to 50+ years and they have no intention of switching things up. SAT or ACT scores, too, need to be perfect, or nearly perfect. Learn more.

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Peterson's Blog

OCTOBER 23, 2024

ACT and SAT scores decline across the U.S. Standardized tests, like the SAT and ACT, are used to determine academic readiness and skills for entering university. Current Data on ACT & SAT Scores Decline ACT —In 2024, average ACT composite scores were 19.4 year after year according to recent data. 1024 2023 19.5

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The Koppelman Group

APRIL 9, 2025

Scores Yale requires test scores from all applicants, and while the policy is test flexible , that doesnt apply to you, legacy. As a legacy student, you need to be taking the ACT or SAT and you need to be getting the highest possible score you can get. Dont give them a reason to reject you!

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Spark Admissions

APRIL 11, 2023

In March 2023, Columbia University announced that it would permanently drop the SAT/ACT requirement for undergraduate admissions. The decision by Columbia to abandon the SAT/ACT requirement represents a significant milestone in the ongoing debate around standardized testing in higher education and in the overall future of college admissions.

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Spark Admissions

APRIL 11, 2023

In March 2023, Columbia University announced that it would permanently drop the SAT/ACT requirement for undergraduate admissions. The decision by Columbia to abandon the SAT/ACT requirement represents a significant milestone in the ongoing debate around standardized testing in higher education and in the overall future of college admissions.

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The Koppelman Group

APRIL 5, 2025

Class Rank of the Class of 2028 Scores: Like most colleges and universities, Dartmouth suspended mandatory submission of standardized test scores as a part of the application process during the Covid pandemic. So, all applicants, including legacies, are required to submit standardized test scores, like the SAT or ACT.

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The Koppelman Group

APRIL 12, 2025

The idea that legacy students are held to the same standard should be a given we see this at most other top colleges but its not because Vanderbilt believes in creating a more equitable process. Scores Vanderbilt is remaining test optional through 2027 , but that does not mean you shouldnt submit. So, if you want to stand out?

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Spark Admissions

JUNE 9, 2023

Is the new digital SAT good? Is the new digital SAT bad? As you may know, the SAT is in the process of transitioning to a new version of the test. The process has already begun internationally, and in Spring 2024, high school students in the United States will only have the option to take the new digital SAT.

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AdmissionSight

NOVEMBER 16, 2024

As a high school student, you’re probably no stranger to big tests like AP exams, the PSAT, or the SAT and ACT. Here’s some good news: more colleges than ever are making the SAT and ACT optional. won’t require standardized test scores. won’t require standardized test scores.

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AdmissionSight

APRIL 26, 2025

If you received a 910 SAT score, youre probably wondering if thats a good score and what it means for your next steps. Optimizing your SAT score is worth it since it plays a big role in your college application. Of course, SAT scores arent the only factor colleges consider, but theyre an important one.

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Top Tier Admissions

JULY 22, 2024

As the school year approaches, it’s time to finalize your standardized test prep plan and mark your calendar with upcoming SAT and ACT test dates. Not sure which test is your forte? In an ideal world, we recommend beginning one-on-one test prep a few months ahead of your scheduled test date.

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The Koppelman Group

APRIL 26, 2025

For your SAT or ACT, its basically the same kind of situation. Like with grades, there is not a minimum SAT or ACT score for consideration, but functionally there is. Stanford is, once again, requiring standardized tests as part of the application process. For your GPA, youre aiming a 4.0

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The Koppelman Group

APRIL 13, 2025

Mich does not have a policy of giving legacies preference. With shifting policies, navigating elite college admissions can be tricky. And there is a contradiction baked into the Mich policy. Scores Mich is currently test optional, but they say that they will review the policy on an ongoing basis.

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Top Tier Admissions

NOVEMBER 15, 2024

Applicants to the Class of 2029 will need to submit an SAT or ACT score although there are some exceptions for those unable to take these exams. Transfer students may still take advantage of a test-optional policy. SAT Tutoring Expert one-on-one guidance to boost your score. Interested in reading more about Brown?

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Top Tier Admissions

FEBRUARY 21, 2025

These were the first applicants to apply under Yales new test-flexible policy which requires at least one ACT, SAT, AP, or IB set of test scores. The Class of 2029 saw a 14% decrease in early applications, likely due to the implementation of the new testing policy.

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AdmissionSight

FEBRUARY 6, 2025

For Fall 2025 applicants, Cornell remains test-optional, giving students the choice to submit SAT or ACT scores. However, this policy will change for Fall 2026 admissions, when standardized test scores will once again be required. Understanding Cornells shifting test policies is crucial for applicants.

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The Koppelman Group

APRIL 18, 2025

However, legacy policies at Princeton persist and we believe strongly in helping students to get every boost they have access to as they strive to get into their dream school. GPA Distribution of the Class of 2028 Scores When you are applying to Princeton as a legacy, your standardized test scores need to be nearly perfect.

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AdmissionSight

APRIL 3, 2025

If you got a 960 SAT score, youre probably wondering if thats a good score and what it means for your next steps. Optimizing your SAT score is worth it since it plays a big role in your college application. Of course, SAT scores arent the only factor colleges consider, but theyre an important one. How Good Is a 960 SAT Score?

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Top Tier Admissions

FEBRUARY 20, 2025

The landscape of college admissions continues to shift as universities re-evaluate the role of standardized testing in the application process. In a major policy change, the University of Pennsylvania (Penn) has announced that it will reinstate its standardized testing requirement for the 2025-2026 admissions cycle.

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BestColleges

JANUARY 30, 2024

A Harvard-based study says high standardized test scores equate to greater academic success at Ivy-Plus colleges. Most highly selective colleges remain temporarily test-optional. Emphasizing test scores can impede efforts to maintain economic and racial diversity. By contrast, high school GPAs have less predictive power.

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Spark Admissions

JANUARY 28, 2022

The past few years have seen an unprecedented number of American colleges and universities suspend or even completely drop their requirement that applicants submit standardized test scores from the SAT or ACT. Recently, in response, the College Board has announced major changes to the SAT. Digital Testing.

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Georgia Tech Admissions Blog

FEBRUARY 7, 2025

I gathered documents, tried, and failed to book an appointment, travelled to the DMV, drew a number, sat for three hours, turned in all my paperwork, took a mini drivers test and vision check, and finally posed for a new requisitely terrible picture. Fully opposed to testing of any kind? So how are we really using those scores?

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Top Tier Admissions

MAY 16, 2025

After four years of test-optional policies, Yales Class of 2029 was the first to apply under the new test-flexible policy , which requires either SAT, ACT, IB or AP scores. enroll now TTA TOP TIP: Yales new test-flexible policy allows applicants to submit AP or IB scores instead of the SAT or ACT.

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Top Tier Admissions

FEBRUARY 22, 2024

As of this morning, Yale is the second Ivy League school to require standardized test scores, following Dartmouth’s lead and citing research that test-optional policies adversely affect high-scoring low-income students. This new policy will begin with students applying to enter in the fall of 2025.

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BestColleges

MARCH 8, 2024

Starting in fall 2024, Brown University will require students to submit SAT or ACT scores. Brown becomes the third Ivy League school, following Yale and Dartmouth, to reinstate standardized testing requirements. So did Dartmouth, which became the first Ivy to return to standardized testing.

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BestColleges

FEBRUARY 7, 2024

Dartmouth researchers found SAT and ACT scores can help identify high-achieving, under-resourced students since the college looks at scores in context to where a student is from. Dartmouth College is reinstating its standardized testing requirements after removing them during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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BestColleges

AUGUST 27, 2024

Johns Hopkins University has reinstated standardized test requirements. Students applying in fall 2025 must submit SAT or ACT scores, while those applying this fall are encouraged to do so. Hopkins says test scores more accurately predict academic success and enable disadvantaged students to demonstrate their potential.

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Berkeley² Academy

MARCH 8, 2025

As a result of this increasing demand, UT Austin announced it would be lowering its auto admission threshold to the top 5% and other admissions data supports this increase in competitivenessthe middle 50% of SAT and ACT scores for admitted UT Austin students drastically increased, jumping from 1230-1500 to 1310-1520.

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The Koppelman Group

APRIL 20, 2025

This may change soon, but for now students can apply without submitting an ACT or SAT score. Strong standardized test scores are a great way to spotlight focus and dedication. Strong standardized test scores are a great way to spotlight focus and dedication.

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AdmissionSight

APRIL 22, 2025

Millions of high schoolers take the SAT to boost their chances of landing in their dream school. Alongside the ACT , this test aims to give colleges a peek at how well you might handle their courses. Now, if youve received a 780 SAT score, you’re probably wondering, “Is that good enough?”

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Solomon Admissions

MAY 4, 2023

Understanding the Pros and Cons For decades, the SAT and ACT have been a staple in the college admissions process. However, in recent years, there has been debate about whether these standardized tests are still relevant in today's college admissions landscape. So, are the SAT and ACT still relevant for college admissions?

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