In recent years many colleges have done away with the mandated entrance exams (ACT & SAT), however, quite a few still hold on tight. Are required college entrance exams outdated? 

Colleges in the United States have been using standardized exams since the early 1900s. The tests gave opportunities for students from nontraditional high schools to be recognized and admitted. Now,  in more current times, many believe that the exams favor the wealthy. 

Some believe exams such as the ACT and SAT are not based on one’s intelligence, but their economic standing which contributes to the amount of tutoring you can pay for. 

Even though these exams are losing their strength, they still can open (or close) doors for many students. The score can put colleges, careers, and scholarships within their reach.

Jodi Walker believes that colleges not requiring entrance exams haven’t increased admissions but instead applications. Suggesting that non-required exams give students more motive and confidence in their ability to achieve higher education 

Colleges and universities are not alone with the changing requirements, some Boards of education are also removing the requirements. 

Schools being test-optional doesn’t take away from the fact that submitted test scores by choice can still impact admission chances. Submitting test scores can distinguish students from others at the top of their classes. Brian Riddick, the owner of the Huntington Learning Center, considers paying for SAT tutoring a good investment. He shares that a student could pay about $3,500 and, if they get a good score, could receive a $25,000 scholarship per year. 

Some universities such as MIT, Harvard, Yale, and the University of Georgia have chosen to reinstate required test scores. Other universities like the University of Florida kept required test scores even during the pandemic. On the opposite side of the spectrum, the University of California is now test blind, they do not look at or consider test scores at all.