A ONE Institute
Sep 25, 2024
Today, I’d like to share a post about how the standardized tests that became optional during COVID-19 are once again becoming mandatory for submission.
In the spring of 2024, many universities announced the reinstatement of standardized tests. As of March 2024, several universities have announced their test policies. Let’s review the schools that have already made announcements and take a look at Yale’s “Test Flexible” policy. The reason standardized tests like the SAT/ACT became optional was due to COVID-19, during which over 1,900 universities adopted a test-optional policy.
From March to September 2020, universities announced test-optional policies, causing a great deal of confusion for students preparing for college admissions at the time.
Those students who entered without submitting test scores under the test-optional policy are now, as of fall:
Freshmen in September 2021
Sophomores in September 2022
Juniors in September 2023
Seniors in September 2024
So, as of September 2024, the students who entered without submitting test scores are now seniors. Over these nearly four years, universities have been collecting data through observation and research to see if students admitted without SAT/ACT scores have been adjusting well to their institutions. In contemplating the reinstatement of standardized tests, universities have been considering various factors. If students admitted without test scores were doing well and the school was running smoothly, there would be no need to continue requiring test scores. However, if there were issues, schools would need to reconsider requiring test scores again. Even during the test-optional period, top 20 universities had higher acceptance rates for students who submitted test scores. Therefore, I have consistently recommended submitting test scores wherever possible, even during the COVID-19 period when applying to test-optional schools. In a recent video, I emphasized the importance of preparing for standardized tests like the SAT/ACT, as they are expected to become increasingly important again.
Now, let’s take a look at the universities that have already announced the reinstatement of test score submissions, organized by the date they made their announcements:
MIT - March 20, 2022
Georgetown University - Between January and February 2024
Dartmouth - February 5, 2024
Yale - February 22, 2024
Brown - March 5, 2024
As of March 10, 2024, three Ivy League schools have announced the reinstatement of standardized tests, and I expect more universities to make similar announcements between March and June 2024.
Yale University
The Reason for Test Flexible and Test Score Submissions Yale University has announced a “Test Flexible” policy. Under this policy, students may submit either SAT or ACT scores, but if they haven’t taken those tests, they may submit AP or IB scores instead. However, students must submit scores from all subjects they’ve taken. Although this policy may seem to offer more options, the requirement to submit all scores can be burdensome. Nonetheless, Yale has also announced that they will resume considering standardized test scores as part of the admissions process. Interestingly, Yale not only announced the reinstatement of test score submissions, but also published a detailed explanation from the Dean of Admissions on their website.
Let’s explore why Yale decided to reinstate test scores. While test scores are “not the core of our review process,” they are still considered useful, according to Yale. Moreover, they argue that standardized tests can be helpful for students facing economic challenges. Initially, opponents of the SAT/ACT argued that these tests disadvantage economically underprivileged students, but now it is being suggested that the SAT/ACT can actually create opportunities for such students. As seen in the image on the right, Yale also states that standardized test scores are necessary to assess students’ strengths, their potential contributions to Yale, and their academic foundation.
The Yale website also addresses common misconceptions about standardized tests and their role in Yale’s admissions process. One common misconception is that applicants who don’t meet a specific score threshold are automatically rejected, but Yale clarifies that this is not the case. Every admissions officer carefully evaluates all aspects of each applicant, and a low test score doesn’t automatically result in rejection. In other words, even students with lower scores should still submit them. Yale’s reasoning behind the new “Test Flexible” policy is that test scores help predict how well a student will perform in college. “We now have the research to support that subject-based exams such as AP and IB also predict Yale grades, even when controlling for other factors.” In other words, standardized tests like the SAT, ACT, AP, and IB can predict the grades students will achieve at Yale. They also state that “First, we found that test scores have continued to predict academic performance in Yale College.”
Furthermore, Yale admits, “Our analyses have found that applicants without test scores have been less likely to be admitted.” Even though Yale didn’t explicitly state this before, submitting test scores during the test-optional period did give students a slight edge in admissions. Data from our own students showed the same, which is why I have consistently advised preparing for the SAT/ACT. While standardized test scores like the SAT/ACT aren’t the most important factor, they are once again becoming a required submission. I encourage students to consistently prepare and aim for high scores to gain admission to their desired universities. This concludes today’s post.
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Today, we’ve looked at the reinstatement of the SAT/ACT and Yale’s announcement. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at A-One Institute, and we’ll be happy to assist you. Thank you.