Extracurricular, Policies and Standardized Testing

Harvard Reinstates Standardized Testing

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.

Standardized Testing

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An In-depth Look at Standardized Testing Policies for Ivy League 2023

Ivy College Essay

AUGUST 22, 2023

In recent times, standardized testing policies for Ivy League universities have undergone significant changes, especially in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and growing concerns about equity in college admissions. What Does This Mean for Applicants?

Ivy League

Ivy League Standardized Testing Policies Testing

Four in 10 Students Think Standardized Tests Are a Good Measure of College Readiness

BestColleges

NOVEMBER 2, 2023

Data Summary Check Less than half of students (47%) say that the use of standardized test scores to assess applicants in college admissions is fair. Check Among students who submitted standardized test scores to a college, 56% say their score may have helped their chances of getting accepted to the school of their choice.

Standardized Testing

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Yale Adopts ‘Test-Flexible’ Policy

BestColleges

MARCH 1, 2024

Yale University announced it is reinstating standardized test requirements. The university believes mandatory test requirements can help level the playing field for disadvantaged students. Yale has officially become "test-flexible." Applicants will thus have four options for submitting standardized test results.

Policies

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Big Changes at UT Austin: Testing Policies, Essays, and Deadlines

Berkeley² Academy

MARCH 15, 2024

Some ,, big changes are coming to UT Austin admissions in 2024—today we’ll go over important details regarding their standardized testing policy, essay prompts, application deadlines, and more. Under the former test-optional policy, over 40% of UT applicants elected to have the university consider their SAT or ACT test scores.

Policies

Policies Testing Standardized Testing Letters of Recommendation

ACT and SAT Scores Decline Year After Year

Peterson's Blog

OCTOBER 23, 2024

Standardized tests, like the SAT and ACT, are used to determine academic readiness and skills for entering university. In this blog, we will cover the current data on scores year after year, factors associated with the changes, and how to best approach these standardized tests in light of recent data.

ACT

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Which Is More Important — Grades or Extracurricular Activities?

Great College Advice

JULY 25, 2023

One of the most-oft questions I get from families is some version of this: “Which is more important — grades or extracurricular activities? Grades are more important than your extracurricular activities. But there are some other things that are also super-important–more so than your extracurricular achievements.

Extracurricular

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The 7 Best Test Optional Colleges: A Quick Guide

AdmissionSight

NOVEMBER 16, 2024

won’t require standardized test scores. The rise of the best test optional colleges is changing the game, giving students new ways to stand out in the admissions process. If you have test anxiety, decided to skip the SAT or ACT, or didn’t quite hit the scores you hoped for, you’re not out of luck.

Testing

Testing Standardized Testing SAT Policies

Columbia University Becomes Permanently Test-Optional with No SAT/ACT Requirement

Spark Admissions

APRIL 11, 2023

According to Columbia, this move was prompted by a growing recognition of the flaws in standardized testing and the school’s desire to make the admissions process more equitable and accessible to a broader range of students. For decades, standardized tests have been central to the college admissions process.

ACT

ACT SAT Testing Standardized Testing

Columbia University Becomes Permanently Test-Optional with No SAT/ACT Requirement

Spark Admissions

APRIL 11, 2023

According to Columbia, this move was prompted by a growing recognition of the flaws in standardized testing and the school’s desire to make the admissions process more equitable and accessible to a broader range of students. For decades, standardized tests have been central to the college admissions process.

ACT

ACT SAT Testing Standardized Testing

Brown University: Supplemental Essays 2024-2025

Top Tier Admissions

NOVEMBER 15, 2024

Transfer students may still take advantage of a test-optional policy. 3 words) What is your most meaningful extracurricular commitment, and what would you like us to know about it? 50 words) Required for transfer students: What is your most meaningful extracurricular commitment, and what would you like us to know about it?

Ivy League

Ivy League University University Transfer

4 Things to Know Before Applying to a Test-Optional College

Solomon Admissions

DECEMBER 8, 2023

According to Forbes , many of these schools did so to help combat the effects of COVID, but as COVID cases have been on a drastic decline schools are standing by this policy for a multitude of reasons. These universities recognize that standardized tests alone do not fully represent a student’s abilities, talents, and/or potential.

Testing

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What Is a Bad SAT Score — And Should I Worry About Mine?

BestColleges

MARCH 20, 2024

It's also important to remember that your standardized test score is just one factor that schools will consider in your overall application. However, a recent study conducted by Harvard University-based research group Opportunity Insights has administrators rethinking their test-optional policies.

SAT

SAT Standardized Testing Ivy League Test Prep

Notre Dame ACT Scores: Full Breakdown

Next Admit College Admissions Blog

JUNE 14, 2024

Notre Dame will maintain a test-optional policy for the 2024 and 2025 application cycles, allowing applicants to decide whether to submit standardized test scores. SAT scores were submitted by 36% of admitted students, while 33% chose to omit standardized test scores altogether. Should I go test-optional?

ACT

ACT Standardized Testing SAT Extracurricular

Navigating Post-COVID Admissions: Test Optional Policies

Simply Admissions

AUGUST 13, 2020

This month, we’ll go over post-COVID standardized testing changes and FAQs. The majority of colleges have changed their testing requirements recently, which seems like it’s only caused more confusion! Below is a handy cheat sheet I’ve created that summarizes the different testing policies.

Policies

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University of Michigan SAT Scores: Full Breakdown

Next Admit College Admissions Blog

JUNE 10, 2024

The University of Michigan has implemented a test-optional policy for undergraduate admissions. This policy starts with students applying for matriculation in the academic term of winter 2025. In summary, it allows applicants to choose whether to submit standardized test scores as part of their application.

SAT

SAT Standardized Testing University University

Public Ivies: Class of 2028 Acceptance Rates

Top Tier Admissions

JUNE 14, 2024

C ollege Private Counseling Develop an organized and effective application strategy that leverages your academic and extracurricular experience to stand out. None of the UCs offer early admission or consider standardized test scores. and an overall out-of-state acceptance rate of 13%.

Acceptance

Acceptance Ivy League Standardized Testing Out-of-State

Test Optional: Should You Take the SAT or ACT?

ACM College Consulting

MAY 3, 2024

In 2024, we have already seen several selective universities, including MIT, Cornell, Yale and Brown announce that they will once again require test scores of some sort (each policy is frustratingly different or vague) for the next application year. Students should research the admissions policies and data of the schools on their list.

SAT

SAT ACT Testing Standardized Testing

Notre Dame SAT Scores: Full Breakdown

Next Admit College Admissions Blog

JUNE 14, 2024

Additionally, while the top 25% of Math scores may approach perfection, Notre Dame considers a holistic view of applicants, recognizing that excellence extends beyond standardized test scores. Approximately 33% of applicants chose to omit standardized test scores from their applications. Should I go test-optional?

SAT

SAT Standardized Testing ACT Extracurricular

Test-Optional Colleges and Admissions Strategies for the 2023–2024 Application Cycle

Shemmassian Academic Consulting

JULY 9, 2023

This became especially true in 2020, given changes in test administration and colleges’ testing policies due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Two years later, colleges continue to update their testing requirements, with some extending their test-optional periods and others opting for permanent changes.

Testing

Testing Applications Admissions Standardized Testing

Purdue SAT Scores: Full Breakdown

Next Admit College Admissions Blog

JULY 8, 2024

Purdue University does not currently maintain a test-optional policy. In such cases, applications can be submitted without test scores via the Common App. Moreover, roughly 4% did not submit any standardized test scores. Should I go test-optional? What are Purdue’s SAT requirements?

SAT

SAT Standardized Testing ACT Policies

How to Get Into an Ivy League College

Ivy College Essay

AUGUST 1, 2024

Standardized Tests: Although some Ivy League schools have adopted test-optional policies, high scores on the SAT or ACT can still strengthen your application. Additionally, consider taking SAT Subject Tests in areas where you excel to further showcase your strengths. Aim for scores in the 95th percentile or higher.

Ivy League

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Emory ACT Scores: Full Breakdown

Next Admit College Admissions Blog

JUNE 20, 2024

Emory University has extended its test-optional policy for prospective students applying in the 2024-25 admission cycle. This means that submitting standardized test scores is completely optional, and students will not be disadvantaged if they choose not to submit them. Should I go test-optional?

ACT

ACT Standardized Testing SAT Policies

Purdue ACT Scores: Full Breakdown

Next Admit College Admissions Blog

JULY 8, 2024

Purdue University does not currently maintain a test-optional policy. In such cases, applications can be submitted without test scores via the Common App. Moreover, roughly 4% did not submit any standardized test scores. Should I go test-optional? What are Purdue’s ACT requirements?

ACT

ACT Standardized Testing SAT Policies

Santa Clara ACT Scores: Full Breakdown

Next Admit College Admissions Blog

JULY 31, 2024

This range reflects the high standards of the institution but also demonstrates that there is no single score that applicants must achieve for admission. For the incoming classes through 2025, Santa Clara University has extended its test-optional policy. Should I go test-optional? In addition, 34% submitted SAT scores.

ACT

ACT Standardized Testing Early Decision SAT

Lehigh SAT Scores: Full Breakdown

Next Admit College Admissions Blog

JULY 9, 2024

In addition, Lehigh’s admissions team maintains high expectations for their applicants, including with regard to standardized testing scores. For the academic years 2021-2022, 2022-2023, and 2023-2024, Lehigh will maintain their test-optional policy. Read more about Lehigh’s college credit policies here.

SAT

SAT Standardized Testing Early Decision ACT

Emory SAT Scores: Full Breakdown

Next Admit College Admissions Blog

JUNE 20, 2024

Emory University has extended its test-optional policy for prospective students applying in the 2024-25 admission cycle. This means that submitting standardized test scores is completely optional, and students will not be disadvantaged if they choose not to submit them. Should I go test-optional?

SAT

SAT Standardized Testing Policies Early Decision

Texas A&M ACT Scores: Full Breakdown

Next Admit College Admissions Blog

JULY 10, 2024

For the foreseeable future, Texas A&M will not require applicants to submit standardized test scores. This test-optional policy means that applicants are not required to provide SAT or ACT scores as part of their admission file. Of course, this includes standardized test scores.

ACT

ACT Standardized Testing SAT Policies

UMass Amherst SAT Scores: Full Breakdown

Next Admit College Admissions Blog

AUGUST 2, 2024

UMass Amherst is test-optional for first-year entering applicants. This means that you are not required to submit standardized test scores in order to apply to UMass Amherst. UMass Amherst requires all scores to be sent directly from the testing agency. Read more about UMass Amherst’s SAT Subject Test policy here.

SAT

SAT Standardized Testing ACT Policies

Lehigh ACT Scores: Full Breakdown

Next Admit College Admissions Blog

JULY 9, 2024

In addition, Lehigh’s admissions team maintains high expectations for their applicants, including with regard to standardized testing scores. For the academic years 2021-2022, 2022-2023, and 2023-2024, Lehigh will maintain their test-optional policy. Read more about Lehigh’s college credit policies here.

ACT

ACT Standardized Testing SAT Early Decision

Dartmouth + Yale End Test-Optional: What Does it Mean?

The Koppelman Group

MARCH 1, 2024

In the last few weeks, both Dartmouth and Yale have decided to end the test-optional policies they adopted during the height of COVID-19 lockdowns in 2020. Since adopting test-optional, a lot of schools started extending their policies out by years or even indefinitely (like Michigan). And schools love this.

Testing

Testing Ivy League Standardized Testing Policies

What’s a Good SAT/ACT Score for Applying to College?

Solomon Admissions

JUNE 29, 2023

In addition to the usual application materials, like transcripts, letters of recommendation, and essays, students are often asked to submit standardized test scores from either the SAT or ACT exam when applying to college. Top schools do not recommend one test over the other; students are allowed to submit whichever one they prefer.

ACT

ACT SAT Ivy League Standardized Testing

Tufts ACT Scores: Full Breakdown

Next Admit College Admissions Blog

JULY 1, 2024

These numbers demonstrate the high standards Tufts holds for its applicants if they hope to be admitted. Tufts University will maintain its test-optional admissions policy for applicants expecting to matriculate in the fall of 2024 through the fall of 2026. What are Tufts’ ACT requirements?

ACT

ACT Standardized Testing SAT Extracurricular

Case Western Reserve SAT Scores: Full Breakdown

Next Admit College Admissions Blog

JULY 18, 2024

Case Western Reserve University has adopted a test-optional policy. Applicants can choose whether to apply with or without standardized test scores. Meanwhile, 22% submitted ACT scores and the remaining approximate 36% chose to omit standardized test scores from their application.

SAT

SAT Standardized Testing Early Decision ACT

Carnegie Mellon ACT Scores: Full Breakdown

Next Admit College Admissions Blog

JUNE 19, 2024

Carnegie Mellon University is known for its rigorous academic standards and research opportunities. Standardized testing, particularly the ACT, plays a significant role in the college application journey. Carnegie Mellon has adopted a test-optional policy through fall 2025.

ACT

ACT Standardized Testing SAT Early Decision

Stony Brook SAT Scores: Full Breakdown

Next Admit College Admissions Blog

JULY 24, 2024

Stony Brook University has adopted a test-optional admissions policy for first-year applicants. There are some exceptions to the test-optional policy. Applicants to the Scholars for Medicine and Scholars for Dental Medicine honors programs must submit standardized test scores.

SAT

SAT Standardized Testing ACT Policies

Carnegie Mellon SAT Scores: Full Breakdown

Next Admit College Admissions Blog

JUNE 19, 2024

Carnegie Mellon has adopted a test-optional policy through fall 2025. This removes the SAT/ACT standardized testing requirement for first-year fall 2025 applicants. Students are not penalized for omitting standardized test scores. In addition, nearly a third of students went test-optional.

SAT

SAT Standardized Testing Early Decision ACT

RPI ACT Scores: Full Breakdown

Next Admit College Admissions Blog

JULY 30, 2024

This range reflects the high standards of the institution but also demonstrates that there is no one score that applicants must achieve for admission. Currently, RPI does not require applicants to submit standardized test scores, although this policy may change in the future. What are RPI’s ACT requirements?

ACT

ACT Standardized Testing SAT Early Decision

University of Georgia ACT Scores: Full Breakdown

Next Admit College Admissions Blog

JULY 12, 2024

For the foreseeable future, UGA requires applicants to submit standardized test scores. UGA allows applicants to self-report their SAT scores on their applications, but official scores must also be submitted electronically by the respective testing agency by the application deadline. Should I go test-optional?

ACT

ACT Standardized Testing University University

Rice SAT Scores: Full Breakdown

Next Admit College Admissions Blog

JUNE 12, 2024

Rice University currently operates under a test-optional policy. Rice University values a holistic approach to admissions, as they consider various aspects of an applicant’s academic and extracurricular achievements, not just test scores. What percentage of Rice applicants submit the SAT?

SAT

SAT Standardized Testing ACT Extracurricular

Texas A&M SAT Scores: Full Breakdown

Next Admit College Admissions Blog

JULY 10, 2024

For the foreseeable future, Texas A&M will not require applicants to submit standardized test scores. This test-optional policy means that applicants are not required to provide SAT or ACT scores as part of their admission file. Texas A&M’s SAT code for submitting official test scores is 6003.

SAT

SAT Standardized Testing ACT Policies

University of Minnesota Twin Cities SAT Scores: Full Breakdown

Next Admit College Admissions Blog

JULY 22, 2024

For freshman applicants through the fall 2027 term, the University of Minnesota Twin Cities will maintain a test-optional policy. However, students are welcome to submit their test scores if they believe the scores accurately reflect their academic abilities. The remaining approximate 53% did not submit standardized test scores.

SAT

SAT University University Standardized Testing

Brown SAT Scores: Full Breakdown

Next Admit College Admissions Blog

MARCH 17, 2024

For the 2023-2024 admission cycle, Brown University will maintain a test-optional policy for all first-year, transfer, and Resumed Undergraduate Education applicants. If students choose to submit test scores, they may self-report them or send them officially to Brown. Should I go test-optional?

SAT

SAT Standardized Testing Transfer ACT

Duke University: Class of 2028 Acceptance Rate

Top Tier Admissions

MAY 10, 2024

In a major shift, Duke is no longer giving essays and standardized testing scores numerical ratings in the undergraduate admissions process, according to The Duke Chronicle. This cycle, Duke will still take into account standardized test scores when submitted, including AP and IB scores.

Acceptance

Acceptance Ivy League Standardized Testing University

Harvard Reinstates Standardized Testing

An In-depth Look at Standardized Testing Policies for Ivy League 2023

Trending Sources

Four in 10 Students Think Standardized Tests Are a Good Measure of College Readiness

Yale Adopts ‘Test-Flexible’ Policy

Big Changes at UT Austin: Testing Policies, Essays, and Deadlines

ACT and SAT Scores Decline Year After Year

Which Is More Important — Grades or Extracurricular Activities?

The 7 Best Test Optional Colleges: A Quick Guide

Columbia University Becomes Permanently Test-Optional with No SAT/ACT Requirement

Columbia University Becomes Permanently Test-Optional with No SAT/ACT Requirement

Brown University: Supplemental Essays 2024-2025

4 Things to Know Before Applying to a Test-Optional College

What Is a Bad SAT Score — And Should I Worry About Mine?

Notre Dame ACT Scores: Full Breakdown

Navigating Post-COVID Admissions: Test Optional Policies

University of Michigan SAT Scores: Full Breakdown

Public Ivies: Class of 2028 Acceptance Rates

Test Optional: Should You Take the SAT or ACT?

Notre Dame SAT Scores: Full Breakdown

Test-Optional Colleges and Admissions Strategies for the 2023–2024 Application Cycle

Purdue SAT Scores: Full Breakdown

How to Get Into an Ivy League College

Emory ACT Scores: Full Breakdown

Purdue ACT Scores: Full Breakdown

Santa Clara ACT Scores: Full Breakdown

Lehigh SAT Scores: Full Breakdown

Emory SAT Scores: Full Breakdown

Texas A&M ACT Scores: Full Breakdown

UMass Amherst SAT Scores: Full Breakdown

Lehigh ACT Scores: Full Breakdown

Dartmouth + Yale End Test-Optional: What Does it Mean?

What’s a Good SAT/ACT Score for Applying to College?

Tufts ACT Scores: Full Breakdown

Case Western Reserve SAT Scores: Full Breakdown

Carnegie Mellon ACT Scores: Full Breakdown

Stony Brook SAT Scores: Full Breakdown

Carnegie Mellon SAT Scores: Full Breakdown

RPI ACT Scores: Full Breakdown

University of Georgia ACT Scores: Full Breakdown

Rice SAT Scores: Full Breakdown

Texas A&M SAT Scores: Full Breakdown

University of Minnesota Twin Cities SAT Scores: Full Breakdown

Brown SAT Scores: Full Breakdown

Duke University: Class of 2028 Acceptance Rate

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