Yale reinstates standardized testing requirement, introduces “test-flexible” approach

Applicants will be required to submit their SAT, ACT, Advanced Placement (AP), or International Baccalaureate (IB) scores. Those who opt for AP or IB scores must submit all subject exam results. Students who choose to submit more test scores than others “will not be advantaged,” says Jeremiah Quinlan, Dean of Undergraduate Admissions and Financial Aid.

The initial move to test-optional admissions by many institutions, including the highly selective ones, was a direct response to the pandemic’s interference with testing centers. Yale’s decision to reintroduce testing requirements, while also accepting AP and IB scores, aims to maintain a holistic review process that evaluates diverse aspects of a student’s academic achievement.

Yale’s decision could signal a reconsideration of the value of standardized tests in college admissions among highly selective schools. While the pandemic undoubtedly accelerated the move towards test-optional admissions, leading to increased diversity in the applicant pool, the long-term impact of Yale’s policy change remains to be seen.

For Yale, this means remaining nimble. For others, likely a version of this. As institutions continue to evaluate the effectiveness of their admissions policies post-pandemic, we may see more colleges and universities follow Yale’s footsteps in seeking a balanced approach to standardized testing. This move underscores the ongoing evolution of college admissions practices, aiming to combine flexibility with a comprehensive assessment of academic excellence. Students applying to college in this ever-changing landscape must navigate these policies carefully, considering how best to showcase their strengths and achievements.