The gradual reinstatement of mandatory standardised testing (SAT/ACT) since 2024, following the pandemic, constitutes a big comeback at US universities. While Covid-era test-optional universities grew from 1,075 to 1,700 between March and September of 2020, admissions officers are now realise that even with a holistic review of any application, the SAT/ACT is a stronger indicator of academic success at university and allows for better course placement. Furthermore, the suspension of mandatory test scores between 2020 and 2023 witnessed a surge in applications to ‘reach’ schools.
- Harvard University: Saw a 43% increase in applications.
- Yale University: Recorded a 66% increase.
- Cornell University: Experienced a ~30% increase.
- Colgate University: Reported a 102% increase.
The SATs have long been blamed for being ‘culturally biased’ especially in the ERW (evidence based reading and writing) section of the test, negatively impacting underprivileged students and/or those whose native tongue is not English. For example, the past use of words such as ‘regatta’ or ‘sofa’ (as opposed to ‘couch’), it has been argued, limits student access to the question being asked. These students typically cannot afford the costly and intense SAT preparation classes that more affluent families rely on. Thus the idea of abandoning SATs as a measure of ability seemed to provide a more level playing field for applicants.
Others counter that the SATs actually give less advantaged students a better chance to compete, regardless of their backgrounds or the quality of the high school education they received. This is because the SAT test data allows students with academic ability to demonstrate this in a comparable, standardised way and correlates more closely with potential success at university, rather than simply relying on high school grades (which can often be inflated).
However, following a significant reduction in available financial aid following the US government budget cuts this year, the question then becomes, can these students afford the tuition? For international students, this has been exacerbated by visa restrictions. This has resulted in a steady flattening and decline in international applications. According to an analysis by The Chronicle of Higher Education in March, there was a 36% drop in F-1 visas issued to international students.
The biggest takeaway is that even a 1500+ SAT score is no guarantee of a successful application. While we encourage our students applying to the US to sit the SATs, we have worked with students that have submitted competitive SAT results to the same university; student X with a 1500+ SAT did not receive an offer, while Student Y with a 1400+ SAT did. This demonstrates a strong, authentic, holistic application is what really matters.
This includes:
- Strong time management to start early with SAT decisions and preparation.
- Well developed essays that represent values, aspirations and challenges. Taking time to reflect and grow students’ self-awareness
- Meaningful recommendations from counsellors and teachers; requiring positive relationships in the classroom, and with the school community.
- Curiosity demonstrated in activities undertaken and achievements inside and outside of the classroom
The reinstatement of SAT/ACTs at highly selective universities has resulted in a drop in applications, while test-optional schools have continued to receive a surge in them. And while only about 5% of all Common App member schools currently require tests, the trend is that more and more universities will reinstate them.
With more than 2,000 USA universities test-optional, there remains plenty of choice. Each student is unique and there cannot be a one size fits all approach to university applications. So even though the SATs are making a comeback, this does not mean that they are an obstacle to any students’ future aspirations.
End of Season Report, 2024–2025: First-year application trends
New data showing steeper declines in international student enrollment – THE FEED
Notable Changes in U.S. College Admissions for 2025–2026
Opinion | Why the SAT Isn’t Racist – The New York Times
The Return of SAT and ACT in US Universities | The Red Pen
US universities are reinstating SAT scores. Experts say it will exacerbate racial inequality
