When did colleges start becoming test optional?

The test-optional movement began at Bowdoin College in Maine in 1970 and spread through academia, gaining traction in the 2000s amid concerns about equity.

Are all colleges going test optional?

Fast forward a few years. More than 1,900 colleges and universities in the U.S. extended their test-optional policies through the 2023-24 application cycle, with some making the move to test-optional even longer or permanent. Other schools have since reinstated their standardized testing requirements.

What was the first school to go test optional?

Bowdoin College was the first college in the U.S. to make the submission of standardized test scores (SAT/ACT) optional in 1969, but they were hardly trendsetters.

Will colleges be test optional in 2025?

While most colleges haven't announced their testing policy for the Class of 2025 and beyond, it appears that many that adopted test-optional policies during the pandemic continue to be test-optional.

Why did colleges stop using SAT scores?

But as the pandemic unfolded, more than 600 additional institutions followed suit. At the time, many college officials noted that health concerns and other logistics associated with test-taking made them want to reduce student stress and risk. Concerns about racial equity also factored into many decisions.

73 Questions With A Former IVY LEAGUE ADMISSIONS OFFICER | New York Times Published Author

Why is Harvard removing SAT?

In announcing the change, Chancellor Douglas Girod said the policy was initially spurred by the pandemic but that “people were figuring out quickly that these tests were creating barriers.”

Is Harvard getting rid of SAT?

Harvard first announced a shift to test-optional admissions in June 2020, removing the requirement for applicants to the Class of 2025 to submit standardized test scores amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, before it extended the policy to the Class of 2026.

Will 2024 be test-optional?

Recently, more schools have adopted test-optional or test-blind admissions policies. In fact, more than 1,900 schools will not require applicants to submit scores for fall 2024 admission, according to the National Center for Fair and Open Testing, a nonprofit advocacy group commonly known as FairTest.

Is test-optional going away?

In addition to the fall 2023 tally, FairTest also reported that 1,783 institutions- equal to about 78% of four-year colleges and universities - have already extended their test-optional/test-blind policies at least through fall 2024.

Are colleges test-optional for class of 2028?

Test-Optional, Test-Blind, and Test-Flexible Schools for the 2023-2024 College Admissions Cycle (for the College Class of 2028): Agnes Scott College: Test-Optional permanently. Albertus Magnus College: Test-Optional permanently. Alfred State College-SUNY: Test-Optional permanently.

Is Harvard test optional?

For one, Harvard is already committed to not requiring standardized test scores for the next two admissions cycles.

When did SATs start UK?

SATs were first introduced in 1991. SATs were introduced as a means of assessing school's delivery of the National Curriculum. KS3 SATs were dropped in 2009.

Is Yale test optional?

Officials from both Yale and Dartmouth explained that they decided to reinstate test requirements in part due to new research showing that test-optional policies were actually adversely affecting prospective applicants from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Why are colleges staying test optional?

Admissions officers recognize that for some applicants, a standardized test score is simply not a useful metric for determining whether or not the student is a good fit for the school. Additionally, test-optional policies have some more tangible, direct benefits for colleges.

Why are colleges really going test optional?

For many colleges that have gone test-optional over the years, not requiring SAT or ACT scores aims to fulfill the goal of greater access. Well-qualified students who may have been discouraged from applying previously because of their poor test scores might now consider a wider range of schools.

Is college optional in the UK?

School leaving age

Children can leave school on the last Friday in June of the school year in which they reach 16 years of age. They must however do one of the following until they are 18: stay in full-time education, e.g. at a college.

Are SATS still required for class of 2024?

The short answer is: it depends on the college. Many colleges have extended their test-optional policies for the class of 2024, while others have reinstated the requirement or established a test-optional policy indefinitely.

Why did colleges make SAT optional?

Test-optional and test-blind admissions had begun to gain steam before the pandemic, with proponents arguing that tests hurt the odds of applicants who have traditionally not done as well on them, including students whose first language isn't English, students whose parents didn't go to college, Black and Hispanic ...

Are test-optional students at a disadvantage?

If your high school GPA is on the lower side and you elect not to submit test scores, you may lower your chances of an acceptance letter from the admissions office. Con: By not submitting test scores, your GPA is the primary academic indicator.

Is Harvard test optional for 2028?

Harvard College continues to allow students to apply without requiring SAT or ACT scores, a change in policy announced three years ago for the admitted classes of 2026-2030. Students were notified of Early Action decisions at 7 p.m. Thursday.

Why are colleges not requiring ACT?

Why don't universities require ACT or SAT standardized tests for college admissions anymore? The ACT and SAT are seen by some as being unfair, racist and not a true determiner of a student's academic capability. These are just some of the reasons that standardized tests have been made optional.

What is the lowest SAT Harvard has accepted?

Harvard SAT Score Analysis

There's no absolute SAT requirement at Harvard, but they really want to see at least a 1460 to have a chance at being considered. Exclusive: Want to learn how to improve your SAT score by 160 points?

How good is a 1200 SAT?

The average SAT score is a 1040, so a 1200 is above average. A 1200 SAT score is between the 71st and 80th percentile of test takers, meaning that you scored above 71-80% of other students. A score of 1200 opens a wide range of college options, assuming you have comparable grades (mostly A's and B's).