SAT or ACT is a standardized test that is required to be taken by students looking forward to admissions into undergraduate programs in the United States. There are large number of universities accepting SAT/ACT however some universities have dropped the mandate of taking these exams, which are these universities? Let's discuss,
1) HARVARD UNIVERSITY
As a response to the challenges faced by the education sector because of COVID-19 and many more reasons, Harvard decided to drop the SAT mandate and go test-optional. However, students willing to submit their ACT/SAT score are always welcome to do so.
2) NEW YORK UNIVERSITY
NYU announced its test-optional policy in 2019, commencing with the class of 2023. NYU believes that test scores are not always the best parameters to evaluate a student and to ensure broaden access to students of all economic backgrounds, NYU announced its test optional policy.
3) YALE UNIVERSITY
Yale announced its test-optional policy in 2020 to “reduce stress and uncertainty for students during the pandemic and to level the playing field for all applicants”. Yale also believes that only test scores are not a measure of student’s potential and that they want to consider a lot of other factors as well.
4) COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY
Columbia took the decision to go test optional in response to COVID-19 and the impact of pandemic on the education sector. However, Columbia university also stated that they had been considering a test-optional policy for several years, recognizing standardized tests are not always the best predictor of a candidate’s potential.
5) CORNELL UNIVERSITY
Cornell university just like other American universities also decided to go test optional to counter the effects of COVID-19 pandemic and to ensure equity in higher education. However, students are always welcome to submit their SAT/ACT scores to upgrade their overall application.
6) OTHER UNIVERSITIES
Other universities such as
BROWN UNIVERSITY
UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
DARTMOUTH UNIVERSITY
DUKE UNIVERSITY
NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY etc.
also decided to go test optional to improve the overall condition of education sector.
These are some of the universities that went test-optional in recent times. However, this doesn’t mean that students should completely avoid taking SAT or ACT, taking this examination is still a good idea as it improves the overall application of the student and gives them an edge over others and there are many more reasons let’s discuss,
1) FINANCIAL AID
Many scholarships and financial aid schemes consider SAT/ACT scores for granting financial aid. By taking SAT/ACT and scoring well in the examination can help students avail various scholarships and reduce the financial burden on them, hence even after the lifting of mandate it is still a good idea to take these examinations.
2) IMPROVES APPLICATION
SAT or ACT scores can still play a major role in the admission process. While universities are going test-optional and considering a number of factors such as extracurricular activities, experience, academics etc, in this case having better SAT or ACT scores can help an individual gain an extra advantage over other applicants and improve the chances of admissions.
3) MAKES AN INDIVIDUAL UNIVERSITY READY
SAT or ACT assess critical thinking and problem solving of the students. Preparing for these examination can help students in developing various necessary skills required for university that’ll help them make it through college.
5) COMPULSION
There are still a lot of universities like MIT, Caltech etc, that are not test-optional and consider SAT or ACT scores for admissions. Some universities may also require these scores for admissions into certain programs such as engineering, science etc hence to maximize your chances to get into top colleges and programs it is still relevant to take these examination.
In conclusion, we can still say taking these examinations is still of relevance and should be considered by students as there are numerous advantages for doing so as discussed earlier.
We know and understand the application process can be overwhelming, but you don’t need to worry. The study experts at Hello Study Global are with you for your every step of the way. From the beginning to the end, we will guide you to success.
Feel free to reach us at Hello study Global.
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