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Due to traditional norms, SAT or ACT scores have historically served as benchmarks for both U.S. and international students applying to colleges. Admission officers annually requested these scores to compare the academic qualifications of the thousands of applicants vying for acceptance.


 

The Future of Standardized Tests in College Admissions
 

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic

However, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 brought unprecedented changes to the way students completed their college applications. Remote learning, school closures, and canceled test dates made it increasingly difficult for many colleges to require ACT or SAT scores due to equity concerns. Moreover, there emerged a longstanding discourse in the U.S. that these standardized test scores disproportionately increase with economic disparities and may not accurately reflect a student's ability to succeed in college.

In response, the University of California (UCLA, UC Berkeley, UC Davis, UC Irvine), part of the California University System, announced a phased elimination of standardized test score requirements over the next four years. By late May, these institutions were moving towards making standardized tests optional.

 

UC Berkeley - No Standardized Testing Requirement

UC Berkeley's official website clearly states that standardized tests are not required. The university has always reviewed the entire application holistically and intends to continue this approach. This means SAT/ACT scores are not the sole factor in evaluating students' readiness for admission. Berkeley considers grades, the overall course of study, other non-mandatory tests (SAT subject tests, AP exams, IB exams), and individual academic situations flexibly during the review process.
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Harvard - No Standardized Testing Requirement

Harvard University's official website states that for admissions from 2027-2030, students can apply without standardized test scores. Additionally, the College Board allows submissions of subject tests taken over the past five years. Harvard suggests that submitting test results, if chosen, should favor taking one math test over two.
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Cornell - No Standardized Testing Requirement

Cornell University also does not require SAT/ACT scores for applicants in 2023 and 2024. Within the admission process, certain colleges like the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, the College of Architecture, Art, and Planning, Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management, and the School of Hotel Administration do not consider test scores at all. Other colleges allow optional submission of test scores.
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Emphasis on Extracurricular Activities and Personal Statements 

This trend follows the Ivy League's approach of not requiring admission tests in 2021 and 2022. So, what are universities emphasizing in their evaluations of students? They prioritize activity lists, personal statements, and extracurricular activities. To become a competitive applicant, demonstrating meaningful engagement in extracurricular activities is crucial.

Particularly during the pandemic, which provided time for reflection on personal aspirations and life directions, the qualitative aspects of extracurricular activities have become more crucial. In essence, the quality of extracurricular activities has become a differentiating factor. Elite universities in the United States now seek students with diverse and in-depth academic research experiences. In other words, prestigious American universities are shifting towards placing greater importance on research experiences directly related to specific majors and subjects, as well as on extracurricular preparation content.