Thinque Prep has been helping students around the country prepare for the SAT and ACT tests for over a decade. However, as we all know, 2020 brought an unprecedented change for college admissions, as schools across the country suspended their standardized test requirements.
Over two years later, many students headed into college admissions season are wondering where their schools of choice now stand. Which colleges are extending test optional policies and which (if any) are re-adopting old requirements? Updated as of April 2022, this list provides the status on test requirements for 9 of the most in-demand American universities and university systems.
California State University (CSU) System
Almost two years after going test-blind in 2020, the CSU system voted in March to do away with all SAT and ACT admission requirements permanently. On their website, CSU says “The California State University (CSU) no longer uses ACT or SAT examinations in determining admission eligibility for all CSU campuses. If accepted to a CSU campus, ACT or SAT test scores can be used as one of the measures to place students in the proper mathematics and written communication courses.”
University of California (UC) System
This year, the UC system is test-blind, meaning that SAT and ACT results will not be considered in admissions decisions. Is it permanent? Well, in 2021, UC voted unanimously to suspend the standardized test requirement until fall 2024. If a new test can’t be found or developed that met its criteria in time for fall 2025 admissions, UC will eliminate the testing requirement for good. Like CSU, UC states that “if you choose to submit test scores as part of your application, they may be used as an alternative method of fulfilling minimum requirements for eligibility or for course placement after you enroll.”
New York University (NYU)
NYU plans to continue its test-optional policy, meaning that no student is required to submit a standardized test score to apply, but if scores are submitted, they will be considered as part of a student’s application.
Boston University (BU)
BU also plans to continue its test-optional policy.
University of Michigan (UMich)
UMich plans to extend its “test-flexible” policy, which is really just another name for test-optional.
University of Southern California (USC)
USC will continue its test-optional policy for at least the next year. On their website, they promise that by spring 2023, they will decide their “long-term position” on standardized testing.
Pennsylvania State University (Penn State)
Penn State will also continue to be test-optional.
Purdue University
On its website, Purdue also claims to be “test-flexible,” but they include some interesting wording; where other test-optional schools tend not to declare a preference, Purdue says that “if a student can take an SAT or ACT, we prefer they do so.” It seems they are only test-optional with the understanding that “possible cancellations and postponement of national standardized tests due to pandemic restrictions may be impacting student’s applications.”
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Controversially, MIT recently opted to reverse its suspension of test requirements, meaning that SAT or ACT results are again required for admittance.
As you can see, whether or not you choose to take an SAT or ACT test and submit your scores depends completely on where you opt to apply. If you decide to take one or both tests, even just to give them a try, Thinque Prep is here to help.
If you’re interested in in-person SAT and ACT prep courses and private tutoring, the students Thinque Prep works with in their Lake Forest office tend to be from local areas like Aliso Viejo, Irvine, Mission Viejo, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Beach, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, and Trabuco Hills. However, if you’re located in another area of Orange County (or even out of state!), we’re happy to work with you virtually via Zoom as well - whatever’s most convenient for you! Give us a call, email, or text today to learn more about how the test prep services Thinque Prep has to offer can propel your child to college success.
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