Why Are Standardized Tests Making a Comeback?

By Liz Jackson

When asked about the University of Notre Dame's stance on requiring standardized testing, members of the university’s admissions team often describe the school as being test optional, not evidence optional. 

In other words, although applications submitted without an ACT or SAT score are considered complete applications by the university, they are not necessarily considered competitive applications. To be competitive, an applicant must demonstrate that they are academically prepared for rigorous college coursework and possess the core academic skills that standardized tests aim to measure. In lieu of a standardized test, this evidence could come in the form of a score on an AP test, winning a regional writing award or science award, or many other signals of accomplishment.  

Test-optional admission practices were the norm until 2022, when public universities in Florida reinstated testing requirements for applicants. Thereafter, public universities in Georgia, Texas, and Tennessee began requiring testing, as did many highly-selective universities like Stanford University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Georgetown University, and Johns Hopkins University. So what is motivating this trend, and how can high school students adjust accordingly?

For many institutions, the admissions decision comes down to clarity and consistency in evaluating applicants. Admissions officers often describe standardized testing as one data point among many, but it’s one that can help them better understand a student’s academic preparation, especially when high schools differ widely in curriculum, grading policies, and opportunities. Test scores, when used thoughtfully, can provide context for a student’s transcript rather than overshadow it, and can provide one metric that is the same across all high schools.

Another factor driving the move back to testing is research. Several colleges have shared that, since going test-optional, they’ve had difficulty predicting student success and retention without the additional academic signal that standardized testing can provide. In other words, test scores sometimes help identify whether students will thrive once they arrive on campus.

Of course, there will always be students who thrive in a classroom setting and are very academically-capable, but who struggle to demonstrate their mastery on standardized tests. And for those students, pursuing colleges that are test-optional is a very good strategy! Remember, there are still many more test-optional colleges than test-required colleges. And there are plenty of ways to demonstrate your academic preparedness outside of standardized tests.

For most students, however, developing a thoughtful standardized testing plan is the best approach. Students have a variety of resources available to help with test preparation, including free resources through Khan Academy, or any number of other offerings ranging from low-cost and low time commitment to high cost and high time commitment. At USM, we recommend that students take a diagnostic ACT in the spring of 10th grade, as well as the PSAT. They should then compare the scores they earned on both to determine which test is the best fit for them. From there, we recommend that students select two test dates during their junior year when they will take the test. 

Ultimately, a standardized test score is just a number. It doesn’t define who students are or what they can contribute to a college campus. But in USM’s College Guidance office, we think it is important to know the trends in higher education admissions practices, the reasons behind them, and then to make informed choices that are right for each student and family.

About Liz Jackson

Liz Jackson serves as the director of College Guidance at University School of Milwaukee. She has more than 15 years of experience helping students and families find the right college. With experience in counseling, higher education research, and school leadership, Liz enjoys getting to know students and matching their interests to the unique offerings of each college.