Spark Admissions

JUNE 22, 2023

Debates around standardized testing have been around for as long as standardized test scores have been part of education in the United States. Some argue that students undergo too much testing: by their high schools, by the state, for college admissions, etc. Yet, these tests have changed.

Standardized Testing 130

Standardized Testing ACT SAT Testing 130

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. When a university states they are test optional, some students take them at their word.

Standardized Testing 59

Standardized Testing Testing Ivy League University 59

Top Tier Admissions

APRIL 23, 2024

Cornell will reintroduce standardized testing requirements for undergraduate admissions starting in fall 2026, based on findings from a university Task Force on Standardized Testing in Admissions and pressure from peer institutions. Last year, 53% of enrolling students submitted test scores.

Standardized Testing 52

Standardized Testing Testing Ivy League Policies 52

BestColleges

FEBRUARY 17, 2023

Under guidance from the NCAA Standardized Test Score Task Force, the Division I Council voted to eliminate the testing requirement altogether. The NCAA has waived standardized test requirements in Division I sports since April 2020 due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. 11-14 in San Antonio, Texas.

Standardized Testing 98

Standardized Testing Testing GPA SAT 98

Top Tier Admissions

MARCH 5, 2024

As of this morning, Brown is the third Ivy League school to reinstate standardized test scores, following Yale and Dartmouth’s lead and citing academic performance as the leading factor that influenced the decision. Transfer applicants, however, can still take advantage of a test-optional policy.

Standardized Testing 52

Standardized Testing Testing Ivy League Early Decision 52

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 52

Ivy League Standardized Testing Policies Testing 52

BestColleges

OCTOBER 30, 2023

Standardized tests allow schools to compare the skills of students from different academic backgrounds. However, preparing for standardized tests takes time and money, and many applicants' scores are too low to help them. But even those schools typically accept test scores if applicants want to submit them.

Standardized Testing 52

Standardized Testing ACT SAT Testing 52

College Kickstart

MARCH 25, 2022

The California State University Board of Trustees unanimously approved to permanentely remove standardized testing from undergraduate admissions. Click here for the press release.

Standardized Testing 40

Standardized Testing Testing University University 40

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.

ACT 130

ACT SAT Testing Standardized Testing 130

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.

ACT 130

ACT SAT Testing Standardized Testing 130

BestColleges

JULY 18, 2024

The math, reading, and English core test will be reduced from three hours to two hours to curb test-taking fatigue. Many colleges and universities went test-optional during the COVID-19 pandemic, and some have recently reinstated standardized testing requirements. The ACT Education Corp.,

ACT 105

ACT Testing Standardized Testing Ivy League 105

Top Tier Admissions

MARCH 15, 2024

The University of Texas at Austin is a public research university founded in 1883 with an undergraduate enrollment of over 42,000. It was ranked #32 (Best National Universities), #9 (Best Public Universities) and #5 (Best Business Programs) by the U.S. News & World Report in 2024.

Testing 96

Testing Standardized Testing Programs Waitlist 96

AdmissionSight

NOVEMBER 16, 2024

Not everyone feels confident when it comes to taking tests. You’re not alone— around 40 to 60% of high school students experience test anxiety, a type of stress that makes it tough to focus and perform well during exams. As a high school student, you’re probably no stranger to big tests like AP exams, the PSAT, or the SAT and ACT.

Testing 52

Testing Standardized Testing SAT Policies 52

Inside Emory Admission

MARCH 29, 2023

>> Updated March, 2023 Emory University has extended its test optional policy for applicants who plan to enroll as first-year students in Fall 2024. In addition, transfer applicants for Fall 2024 can also take advantage of this test optional policy. WHO DOES THE POLICY APPLY TO? We look forward to hearing from you!

Testing 94

Testing Standardized Testing Transfer Early Decision 94

Koodoos Learning

OCTOBER 9, 2022

The test-optional movement started almost 50 years ago at Bowdoin College, but in the past few years, more and more colleges have joined along. Recently, diversity concerns may have led to more colleges deciding to go test optional. that are now test-optional, according to the National Center for Fair and Open Testing.”

Testing 130

Testing Standardized Testing SAT ACT 130

College Transitions

JULY 10, 2024

Prior to the onset of the pandemic in March 2020, rarely did a single month pass without another well-known college or university making headlines by announcing that it would no longer require applicants to submit standardized test scores.

Testing 98

Testing Standardized Testing ACT Applications 98

Peterson's Blog

OCTOBER 17, 2024

million high school seniors took the ACT test in 2023 according to ACT.com and now ACT is making ACT test changes. In light of falling average test scores among that group, It’s rare for a standardized test to change based on student, teacher, and administrator feedback.

ACT 59

ACT Testing SAT Standardized Testing 59

Inside Emory Admission

JANUARY 25, 2024

Updated January, 2024 Emory University has extended its test optional policy for applicants who plan to enroll as first-year students in Fall 2025. In addition, transfer applicants for Fall 2025 can also take advantage of this test optional policy. WHO DOES THE POLICY APPLY TO? We look forward to hearing from you!

Testing 59

Testing Standardized Testing Transfer Early Decision 59

Admissions Village

FEBRUARY 25, 2024

Test scores and test-optional admissions, which have been in the spotlight for several years now, are getting renewed attention as of late. Many colleges have still not decided if they will become permanently test-optional for admissions. Among them are the University of Michigan and Northwestern.

Testing 71

Testing SAT Standardized Testing ACT 71

ACM College Consulting

MAY 3, 2024

Last summer, more than 1900 colleges were test optional, test-free or test-blind. Many others have stated they will not go back to requiring test scores yet, if ever, but there is still the potential for more colleges to return to requiring test scores. So, should students still take a test?

SAT 75

SAT ACT Testing Standardized Testing 75

BestColleges

JUNE 11, 2024

The university paused its testing requirement in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Several universities — including Harvard, Dartmouth, Yale, and Brown — have recently reinstituted standardized test requirements. The test-optional policy will remain for students applying for fall 2024 admission.

ACT 52

ACT SAT Testing Standardized Testing 52

Top Tier Admissions

NOVEMBER 22, 2024

Stanford University , located in Palo Alto, California, is one of the most prestigious universities in the nation. While Stanford remains test-optional for those applying this cycle, applicants to the Class of 2030 will once again be required to submit a standardized test score.

University 65

University University Standardized Testing Letters of Recommendation 65

HelloCollege

OCTOBER 23, 2024

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is a standardized test that—according to the creators—measures a student’s aptitude for reading, listening, speaking, and writing English in an academic setting. It’s a test of your preparation for taking the TOEFL. What is the TOEFL?

Testing 64

Testing Standardized Testing Out-of-State Transition 64

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." Why is Yale reinstating its test requirement?

Policies 52

Policies Testing Standardized Testing Ivy League 52

Solomon Admissions

DECEMBER 8, 2023

Did you know that there are over 1,830 colleges and universities that have switched to test-optional over the last few years? These universities recognize that standardized tests alone do not fully represent a student’s abilities, talents, and/or potential. with more scrutiny.

Testing 83

Testing Standardized Testing Letters of Recommendation Test Prep 83

Ivy Central

MAY 17, 2023

Overview Wake Forest University is a private research university located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA. The university was founded in 1834 and has a rich history and tradition of academic excellence. The university has 18 varsity sports teams, including football, basketball, baseball, soccer, and tennis.

University 246

University University Early Decision Study Abroad 246

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 98

Testing Applications Admissions Standardized Testing 98

BestColleges

OCTOBER 12, 2023

More students in the class of 2023 took the ACT test from the previous year. High school students' ACT test scores have dropped to their lowest level in more than 30 years, according to the nonprofit organization that administers the test. increase in the class of 2023 SAT test takers — with 1.9 Despite only 20.8%

ACT 98

ACT Testing Standardized Testing SAT 98

Top Tier Admissions

FEBRUARY 21, 2024

Students with impairing test anxiety typically have inaccurate and unhelpful beliefs about themselves and the significance of exams. You may label yourself a “bad test taker,” or believe your performance on exams reflects your self-worth. Poor test performance can reinforce inaccurate beliefs, which creates a vicious cycle.

Testing 52

Testing Accommodations Standardized Testing ACT 52

BestColleges

MARCH 12, 2024

The University of Pennsylvania will extend its test-optional policy for another year. Penn's announcement follows news that Dartmouth, Yale, and Brown will reinstate standardized test requirements beginning next fall. Test-optional colleges could realize a competitive admissions advantage over rivals that require scores.

Policies 52

Policies Testing Ivy League Standardized Testing 52

Top Tier Admissions

NOVEMBER 15, 2024

Brown University , an Ivy League institution located in Providence, Rhode Island, is known for its commitment to a flexible and open curriculum. Transfer students may still take advantage of a test-optional policy. 100 words) APPLYING TO BROWN UNIVERSITY? Are you thinking about applying to Brown University?

Ivy League 64

Ivy League University University Transfer 64

BestColleges

JULY 17, 2023

The Classic Learning Test is an alternative to the SAT and ACT and is accepted by over 200 mostly private and religious colleges and universities. Ron DeSantis signed a bill allowing public schools to administer the test. The test may soon be accepted by public universities in Florida. In May, Florida Gov.

Testing 98

Testing Test Prep SAT Private School 98

PrepScholar

MAY 15, 2023

Many colleges have adopted test optional admissions policies over the past several years…but what about top schools? Is Harvard test optional? Are Ivy League schools test optional? In this article, we’ll walk you through Harvard’s current testing policies and the testing policies at top 25 universities.

Policies 52

Policies Testing Ivy League Standardized Testing 52

BestColleges

JUNE 6, 2023

While fewer graduate programs now require the GRE, many law and business schools accept the test as a substitute for the LSAT and GMAT. The pandemic caused universities to relax standardized test requirements, and most haven't reinstated them. Unless you're the Educational Testing Service. fell by 50%.

Testing 52

Testing Standardized Testing SAT Higher Education 52

Admitted

JUNE 28, 2023

iStock One of the most significant effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in the college admission ecosystem was the relatively rapid and nearly wholesale adoption of test-optional (or test-free, in some cases) admission policies by colleges and universities.

Testing 59

Testing Admissions Standardized Testing Policies 59

Berkeley² Academy

APRIL 18, 2024

institutions have adopted a test-optional policy in acknowledgement of the limited access to testing during this time. However, several colleges are beginning to reinstate required testing for the 2025-26 admissions season, and others have begun to take a more flexible approach to their standardized testing policies.

Testing 52

Testing Standardized Testing SAT Test Prep 52

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. Testing Policy This week, UT Austin announced its reinstatement of mandatory standardized testing as part of the undergraduate application.

Policies 52

Policies Testing Standardized Testing Letters of Recommendation 52