Harvard has recently made the announcement that it will once again require applicants to submit standardized test scores for the fall 2025 admissions.
Admissions policies have taken an unexpected turn from being test-optional for the Class of 2030.
The COVID-19 pandemic initiated the implementation of the test-optional policy.
In a recent statement, Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences at Harvard College, Hopi Hoekstra, announced a significant change in their admissions process. Starting next year, prospective students will be required to submit standardized test scores. This requirement can be met by either the SAT or ACT. In rare cases where these tests are not accessible, alternative standardized tests will be accepted. This new policy aims to ensure a fair and comprehensive evaluation of applicants.
In a co-authored paper by Raj Chetty, David Deming, and John Friedman, prominent professors in the field of economics, it was found that standardized test scores have the potential to identify talented students attending high schools with limited resources. This research, conducted in 2023, emphasizes the importance of using these scores as a tool to recognize promising individuals in disadvantaged educational environments.
According to Chetty, critics argue that standardized tests are not a fair assessment of students’ abilities since those from higher-income backgrounds often have more access to test preparation and additional resources. However, the data suggests that other factors, such as recommendation letters, extracurricular activities, and essays, are even more susceptible to biases. By considering standardized test scores, Harvard’s admissions process can become more merit-based while also promoting socioeconomic diversity.
Yale University made the decision to reintroduce standardized admissions tests in February, despite concerns that these tests may disadvantage students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
Jeremiah Quinlan, Yale’s dean of undergraduate admissions, stated that reintroducing test scores can be beneficial for those applicants.
Research conducted by Quinlan strongly indicates that making scores a requirement for all applicants can be particularly beneficial for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Dartmouth and Brown have decided to reinstate the requirement for test scores for admissions starting with the class of 2029, which would be for fall 2025 admission.
Harvard’s recent announcement to reinstate the standardized test requirement has presented a time constraint for applicants of the Class of 2029. With a January 1 application deadline, prospective students now have only six opportunities to take the tests before submitting their applications.
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