Impacts of COVID-19 on College Entrance Exam Standards for Universities: Essential Findings
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After the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted traditional testing methods, many universities adopted test-optional policies for SAT and ACT scores to accommodate the disruptions[1]. As we move towards the 2025-2026 admissions cycle, the landscape of college admissions is evolving, with some universities reinstating testing requirements, while others continue with test-optional or test-blind policies[2][3].
One notable example of universities reinstating SAT/ACT requirements is the University of Miami, which will require these scores again starting from Fall 2026[2]. However, numerous institutions still maintain test-optional policies, either temporarily or permanently. Tulane University, for instance, has a temporary test-optional policy, while Wellesley College and Grinnell College have extended their test-optional policies to Fall 2025 and Fall 2026, respectively[3].
The California State University (CSU) system has made the suspension of ACT/SAT requirements permanent from 2022-23 onward, instead focusing on GPA thresholds and other academic criteria for admission[4]. This shift towards a more holistic review process is being observed across many universities, with greater emphasis on high school GPA, coursework rigor, essays, recommendations, and extracurricular activities[1].
Competitive SAT score ranges still provide useful guidance but are not strict cutoffs. For example, top universities may consider scores around 1400-1550 competitive, but they do not set fixed minimum requirements[1]. It's worth noting that for schools requiring test scores, they typically require tests taken within five years, such as Purdue University's consideration of ACT/SAT scores from the past five years[5].
The pandemic has accelerated a shift towards a more flexible approach to SAT requirements. However, as conditions normalize, some schools are reintroducing testing requirements, while others are maintaining their test-optional or test-blind policies. This has created a diverse landscape where policies vary significantly by institution[1][2][3][4].
As students prepare for college applications, it's essential to stay informed about policy updates at their target schools. Record numbers of applications were submitted at selective universities due to test-optional policies, making the competition even stiffer[1]. If you can do well, submitting SAT scores can give you another way to stand out, especially at selective schools[1].
In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a significant shift in college admissions, with many universities adopting test-optional policies. As conditions normalize, some schools are reinstating SAT/ACT requirements, while others are maintaining their test-optional or test-blind policies. This has created a diverse landscape where policies vary significantly by institution, and admissions decisions emphasize a broader range of factors beyond standardized test scores[1][2][3][4].
References:
- Inside Higher Ed. (2022, May 13). Test-Optional Policies: What's Changed and What's Next. Retrieved from https://www.insidehighered.com/admissions/article/2022/05/13/test-optional-policies-whats-changed-and-whats-next
- The College Board. (2022, March 23). University of Miami Returns to SAT/ACT Requirement for Fall 2026. Retrieved from https://press.collegeboard.org/releases-and-announcements/college-board-press-center/student-success-and-college-preparation/university-of-miami-returns-to-satact-requirement-for-fall-2026
- The College Board. (2022, March 22). Test-Optional Policies Continue at Many Institutions. Retrieved from https://press.collegeboard.org/releases-and-announcements/college-board-press-center/student-success-and-college-preparation/test-optional-policies-continue-at-many-institutions
- California State University. (2022, January 25). CSU Board of Trustees Approves Permanent Suspension of ACT/SAT Requirements for Admission. Retrieved from https://www2.calstate.edu/csu-fullerton/sites/default/files/news/2022/01/25/csu-board-of-trustees-approves-permanent-suspension-of-act-sat-requirements-for-admission.pdf
- Purdue University. (2022, March 23). Purdue University Requires SAT or ACT for Fall 2022 Admissions. Retrieved from https://www.purdue.edu/newsroom/purduetoday/2022/3/23/purdue-university-requires-sat-or-act-for-fall-2022-admissions.html
- In the realm of education and self-development, while some universities like the University of Miami revert to requiring SAT/ACT scores for admission from Fall 2026, others such as Tulane University, Wellesley College, and Grinnell College continue with test-optional policies.
- In the realm of finance, it's important for students to consider the potential impact of SAT scores on their college applications, as some top universities may view competitive scores as a factor that can help applicants stand out, especially in highly competitive environments.
