Standardized tests are BACK
Let’s talk about everyone’s favorite topic: standardized tests.
As of February 6, Dartmouth College declared that standardized tests, such as the SAT or ACT, will be mandatory for all prospective undergraduate applicants. This decision marks a notable shift in their COVID-era admission policy and has generated widespread discussion within the education community and a fair amount of concern among parents of those preparing to enter the college application process.
Dartmouth's rationale behind this decision stems from its commitment to ensuring a fair and comprehensive evaluation process for all applicants. By implementing standardized testing requirements, the college aims to maintain consistency and uphold academic standards in its admissions procedures. Whether you agree or disagree, the data-driven report their research team generated is worth your time, and can be found here.
They are not the first to reinstate the requirement, but their notoriety as an institution will make it easier for many institutions to follow suit. While standardized testing has long been a contentious topic in the realm of college admissions, their stance underscores the continued importance placed on these assessments by certain institutions. It also highlights the ongoing debate surrounding the efficacy and equity of standardized testing in gauging students' academic abilities and potential.
As students, parents, educators, and advocates, it's crucial to stay informed about these developments and understand their implications for college-bound individuals. Whether you're currently navigating the college admissions process or supporting someone who is, staying abreast of policy changes and can help you make informed decisions and adapt your approach accordingly. It’s also important to understand the broader context: in Fall 2023, more than 50% of college matriculates submitted test scores. Just because schools were ‘test optional’, doesn’t mean they didn’t leverage that data point from applicants frequently to make their admissions decisions.
TL/DR? Prepare to take one of the tests. Whether you like it or not, schools are starting to require it again, and even if they don’t, it helps move the needle on admissions.
