Yale to Require Standardized Tests for Admissions Again

Yale University will reinstate standardized testing requirements for students applying for admission in fall 2025, ending the test-optional policy implemented during the pandemic. This decision, announced recently, reflects the university’s assessment of the impact of test-optional admissions and its commitment to diversity and fairness in the admissions process.

During the past four years of test-optional admissions, Yale has extensively analyzed testing policies and outcomes. The university believes that thoughtful use of standardized tests can enhance diversity in the student body. However, it also acknowledges that a narrow focus on tests like the ACT and SAT can deter some students from applying.

Under the new “test-flexible policy,” applicants can choose to submit scores from four testing options: ACT, Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), or SAT. Yale’s decision is based on its research, which indicates that test scores are a significant predictor of students’ academic performance at the university, even after considering family income and other demographic factors.

Yale’s research also suggests that a test-optional process may inadvertently disadvantage students from low-income, first-generation, and rural backgrounds. Without test scores, admissions officers tended to place greater weight on other parts of the application, which could disadvantage students with fewer opportunities to demonstrate their potential.

The university emphasizes that it does not rely solely on testing to assess student readiness. Instead, it evaluates applications holistically, considering all available information to assess students’ strengths and potential contributions to the college community.

Yale’s decision to reinstate standardized testing requirements follows a similar move by Dartmouth College, which also ended its test-optional policy for the entering class of 2025. While these decisions may signal a trend towards a return to standardized testing in admissions, most colleges and universities continue to operate on a test-optional basis. According to FairTest, over 1900 four-year colleges and universities will be test-optional for fall 2024 admissions, with over 80 being test-free.

In summary, Yale University’s decision to reinstate standardized testing requirements reflects its commitment to a fair and inclusive admissions process. The university believes that a thoughtful approach to testing can enhance diversity and provide a more complete picture of applicants’ academic potential.