The University of Texas at Austin Reinstates Standardized Test Requirements for Admissions
The University of Texas at Austin announced on Monday that it would once again require standardized test scores for admissions, joining a growing number of selective universities that have reversed their test-optional policies implemented during the pandemic.
In recent years, about 2,000 colleges nationwide had moved away from requiring SAT or ACT scores, citing concerns about how these tests perpetuated inequality. However, schools like Brown, Yale, Dartmouth, M.I.T., Georgetown, and Purdue have all reinstated test requirements in recent months.
U.T. Austin, known for its diverse student body and commitment to increasing opportunity in Texas, stated that the decision to bring back test requirements was based on the need to better assess students’ academic readiness and provide appropriate support. Without test scores, the university struggled to place students in programs where they would excel and identify those who may need additional assistance.
According to U.T. Austin President Jay Hartzell, an analysis of students who did not submit test scores revealed that they were not performing as well academically. This finding prompted the university to reinstate the requirement for applicants to submit either SAT or ACT scores starting August 1 for fall 2025 admissions.
Critics of standardized testing have long argued that these assessments favor students from affluent backgrounds who can afford test preparation services. However, recent data has shown that some students from low-income families may actually benefit from submitting test scores, as it could improve their chances of admission.
At U.T. Austin, where admissions are governed by a race-neutral policy, the top 6 percent of Texas high school graduates are automatically admitted. The remaining applicants, both from Texas and out-of-state, undergo a holistic review process that includes standardized test scores. Last year, 42 percent of students chose to submit their test scores.
Miguel Wasielewski, the university’s vice provost of admissions, emphasized the importance of test scores in providing detailed information about students’ academic abilities and potential for success in rigorous programs. The university uses this data to place students in appropriate majors and offer support services to ensure high graduation rates.
Overall, the decision to reinstate standardized test requirements at U.T. Austin reflects a broader trend among selective universities to prioritize academic readiness and student support in the admissions process. As the debate over standardized testing continues, institutions are seeking a balance between equity and academic excellence in their admissions policies.
