The SAT and ACT Are Making a Comeback: What to Know

During the height of the pandemic in 2020, a lot of Ivy League and top-tier schools decided to abandon their reliance on standardized testing when making admissions decisions. They either went “test blind” or “test optional.”

Now, these same schools are reversing course. As far back as 2022, MIT announced it was once again requiring the ACT or SAT from prospective students, but the recent announcement from Dartmouth that it was moving away from its “test-optional” stance starting with the Class of 2029 is widely regarded as indicative of a new trend. Harvard has already hinted as much, saying that SAT and ACT scores won’t be required “until at least 2026.”

Why Are Major Universities Relying on Standardized Testing Again?

Opponents of standardized testing argue that the ACT and SAT do not reflect a student’s true abilities and creative potential, but only show “how well they test” or can memorize information. There have also been allegations that students who have access to test preparation resources and tutoring have an unfair advantage over students from less privileged backgrounds.

When the pandemic started making it difficult (if not impossible) for students to take the SAT or ACT, it may have seemed like it was the perfect time to see what effect ditching the standardized testing requirement would have. Back then, the college said that worrying about the SAT or ACT was not the best way to spend “a student’s time, money, or emotional energy.” Many experts insisted that test scores weren’t great predictors of success in college, anyhow.

In a sharp reversal, Dartmouth now says that their own study shows that SAT and ACT scores are actually one of the best ways to predict an applicant’s collegiate success. In addition, the university found that test scores were instead great levelers, allowing students from disadvantaged backgrounds to shine.

Without access to Advance Placement (AP) courses, internships, high-profile extracurriculars and research projects that would otherwise enhance a student’s performance, a high SAT or ACT score could still open doors. A 1400 on the SAT or a 32 on the ACT might be enough to overcome a lot of other deficiencies.

In the words of Dartmouth, “Contrary to what some have perceived, standardized testing allows us to admit a broader and more diverse range of students.” The test-optional policy of the last few years may have even discouraged some students from applying, and disadvantaged others three-fold.

What Does This Mean for Future College Students?

Nobody is saying that universities and colleges intend to focus solely on ACT or SAT scores when they make admission decisions in the future – but they are, once again, going to be a significant factor.

While schools like Dartmouth say that they take a “holistic” approach to each application, there’s no question that standardized test scores are still important. That means students who intend to apply to any Ivy League or top-tier schools should start prepping for the exams as much as possible. That can help students get comfortable with the formats of the tests and showcase their knowledge and abilities.