For the 2025-2026 application season many top schools have reverted back to required standardized testing such as SAT and ACT. Because of this, there has been increasing debates on whether or not standardized testing should be required in applications.
The SAT was originally created in 1926 to standardize college admissions by creating a national exam. This test consists of both an English and Math section. The ACT followed in 1959 as a competitor to the SAT in order to measure what individual students learned throughout high school. In comparison to the English and Math sections available in the SAT, the ACT consists of English, Math, Reading and Science.
In the last couple of years, competitive colleges and universities across the United States resumed their testing requirements as they believe these assessments are an accurate depiction of how well an individual will perform at their institution. Additionally these schools believe that the SAT and ACT account for grade inflation and are used as a method of identification for talented students under pressure.
On one hand, these exams are useful because it allows students from non-feeder schools to be recognized and accepted into highly competitive universities. It additionally provides a common benchmark for academic rigor and strengths among all students.
However, many students are at a disadvantage while taking these exams due to being nervous test takers. Some students struggle to focus under pressure or in a timed environment and are therefore at a disadvantage when applying to these colleges.
First off, many students use expensive tutoring or practice books in order to prepare for their exams. While these are helpful for some students and can help improve their score, these are unrealistic expenses for many students and their families. Therefore, this creates an unfair advantage for more financially stable students.
Secondly, there was no warning from certain universities regarding the return of required standardized testing. This caught many seniors off guard and left them little to no time for preparation for the exam as well as few available test dates before application deadlines.
While these exams are important, there are too many underlying variables that could impact student scores to make this a required part of college applications.