Why are colleges getting rid of ACT?

In an October 2022 webinar called “Preparing for a Supreme Court Decision Involving Race-Conscious Admissions,” NACAC officials similarly advised college admissions officers to “eliminate consideration of applicants' ACT and SAT scores because they reflect a variety of biases related to race and ethnicity” as well as “ ...

Why are schools moving away from ACT?

A 2021 study found that, among a group of about 100 private colleges, making tests optional was linked to small increases in the number of enrolled students from low-income backgrounds. In light of the overwhelming shift away from testing requirements, hundreds of thousands fewer students are sitting for the exams.

Why are colleges dropping ACT requirements?

One reason for this is that although both tests were designed to gauge the likelihood of success in college, the ACT is seen as more aligned with high school curriculums, many schools districts in the country's midsection require students to take it as an assessment test to prove they are in compliance with state and ...

Do colleges care about ACT anymore?

Most colleges are test-optional or test-blind now, but not these top schools. Oct. 9, 2023, at 9:00 a.m. While the need for submitting SAT/ACT scores has lessened, there are still some universities that require the test scores on applications.

Why the ACT should not be required?

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.

The problem with America's college entrance exam

How is the ACT unfair?

Biased format: Research shows that a fast-paced, multiple-choice format favors males over females. Guessing, a risk males are more likely to take, is rewarded. Since multiple-choice items do not allow for shades of meaning they work against the most typical female thinking style.

What are the cons of the ACT?

Are colleges moving away from ACT?

Many colleges were shifting away from requiring ACT or SAT scores long before COVID, arguing in part that exam scores can contribute to inequities in admissions. Given obstacles to taking the tests as the virus spread, the trend accelerated over the last few years.

Are colleges waiving the ACT?

Hundreds of colleges have dropped their SAT and ACT test requirements for the 2020/2021, 2021/2022, and 2022/2023 college admissions cycles.

Do colleges look more at GPA or ACT?

Universities and colleges are increasingly looking at the entire profile of the student rather than a single metric. They aim to assess the student's overall potential and academic consistency, and your GPA often provides a more comprehensive overview of your academic ability than a one-time test score.

What is the lowest ACT to get into college?

What is the lowest ACT score a college will accept? In general, many US colleges and universities accept applicants with 16 or 17 ACT scores. In fact, an ACT score of 16 or lower is accepted by 33 schools.

Why is the SAT being removed?

“In essence, we are eliminating our reliance on a high-stress, high-stakes test that has shown negligible benefit and providing our applicants with greater opportunities to demonstrate their drive, talents and potential for college success.”

What is the lowest ACT score to get into college?

What is the lowest ACT score colleges will accept? Colleges generally consider a minimum ACT score of 12 for admission. Scores below this threshold may pose challenges in the admission process, impacting your chances of acceptance.

Will SAT and ACT be Cancelled?

The CSU will no longer use SAT and ACT scores in admissions. But what does that mean for applicants? In March 2022, the CSU Board of Trustees approved the removal of the SAT and ACT standardized tests from undergraduate admissions processes.

Should students still take the ACT?

Taking the ACT test can increase your chances of earning new or better scholarships. One counselor found that over 10 years, more of her students earned more scholarship dollars with ACT scores than SAT scores. Learn more about paying for college.

Will ACT be required for class of 2024?

ACT/SAT-Optional, Test-Free Admissions Movement Expands Again: Record 1,900+ Schools Do Not Require Scores For Fall 2024 Entrance. school graduates seeking to enroll in Fall 2024. are expected to remain test optional. choose to apply without submitting scores.”

Do colleges prefer ACT or SAT?

This is a common misconception. Colleges don't have a preference between the SAT or ACT so it's important to know how to choose the test that's right for you. Both tests are widely accepted across U.S. colleges—including those that are test optional.

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.

Will SAT and ACT be cancelled for class of 2024?

Last year the faculty senate voted to make the SAT and ACT remain optional for all applicants through 2025. It was not a permanent move but instead looked to allow "time for a committee to review student diversity, retention and graduation data," the university wrote last year.

Is ACT losing money?

Before ACT posted an overall loss of $60 million in fiscal year 2020, it had disclosed a $34-million loss a year before. Between fiscal years 2011-18, ACT never posted an overall loss of greater than $4 million.

Is the ACT important anymore?

In conclusion, while the importance of the ACT and SAT exams may vary depending on the college or university, it's still essential to consider these exams as part of the college admissions and financial aid process.

Why is the ACT test controversial?

Controversies Around the ACT

Like the SAT, the ACT has reported a consistent racial gap in scores. Many have pointed to the persistent problem of unequal access to education and resources to explain the gap. But the test design itself also raises questions of bias.

Is a 30 bad on the ACT?

What percentile is a 30 ACT score? A 30 ACT score puts you at the 93rd percentile, meaning you scored higher than 93% of all test takers!

Is 12 bad for ACT?

Each section has a test score range of 1-36: Below Average Score Range: 1-16. Average Score Range: 17-24. Above Average Score Range: 25-36.