Over the past few years, standardized testing has become one of the most debated topics in college admissions. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many universities, including several Ivy League schools, adopted test-optional policies after testing centers shut down and students lost access to exams. However, SAT and ACT scores should remain a key part of the admissions process, providing a consistent and measurable way to evaluate applicants alongside other factors.
Columbia University remains test-optional, allowing applicants to decide whether to submit SAT or ACT scores. Other Ivy League schools followed, arguing that removing testing requirements would make admissions more equitable. However, not all of these schools stayed test-optional. Harvard University, along with institutions like Dartmouth, has since reinstated standardized testing, signaling a shift in how colleges view the role of test scores.
“It matters because a lot of colleges are requiring test scores again, and the higher you score, the better chance you have of getting in,” said CHS junior Isabel Beddows.
Harvard’s decision to bring back the SAT and ACT was not random. In its announcement, the university explained that test scores can help identify high-achieving students from under-resourced backgrounds who may not have access to advanced courses or inflated grading systems.
This suggests that standardized tests can sometimes serve as a tool for equity rather than a barrier. When used in context, strong test scores can highlight academic potential and effort that may not be fully reflected in a transcript alone. This is especially important at highly selective institutions where thousands of applicants present near-perfect grades.
Beyond academic comparison, standardized tests also reveal something less visible but equally important: work ethic. Preparing for exams like the SAT or ACT requires students to set goals, study independently, and remain persistent over time. Many students see significant score improvements after weeks or months of preparation, demonstrating their ability to respond to feedback and commit to long-term effort. These habits closely resemble the expectations of college life, particularly at rigorous universities such as the Ivy Leagues, where students are expected to manage heavy workloads with limited oversight.
“Studying for the ACT taught me how to stay focused and push through challenges. I think that kind of discipline shows colleges more than just grades do,” said CHS junior Shaya Bakhshi.
The divide among Ivy League schools ultimately shows that standardized testing should not be treated as an all-or-nothing issue. Test scores should not determine a student’s future on their own, but completely removing them from the admissions process ignores the value they can provide. When used alongside grades, course rigor, essays, and personal context, SAT and ACT scores offer insight into a student’s academic readiness, work ethic, and perseverance. Rather than eliminating standardized testing, colleges should continue to consider it as one part of a holistic review, ensuring that admissions decisions remain both fair and informed.
