US Colleges abandon standardised tests

In a transformative move, numerous US colleges have decided to eliminate the requirement for standardised test scores in their admission processes, signalling a departure from long-standing practices. This decision aims to advance diversity, equity, and inclusivity in higher education and is expected to reshape the admissions landscape.  

Among the institutions adopting this "test-blind" approach are prestigious universities such as the University of California, Berkeley, and the University of Chicago. The change reflects growing concerns about the inherent biases in standardised testing, which tend to favour students from affluent backgrounds with better access to test preparation resources. By moving away from these exams, colleges aim to attract a broader and more diverse applicant pool and foster a more equitable admissions process.  

For prospective students, the implications of this shift are profound. With standardised test scores no longer a determining factor, admissions committees will focus more on other components of applications. Academic achievements such as GPA and transcripts, along with personal essays and recommendation letters, will gain greater importance. This approach is expected to benefit students who lack access to test preparation resources or who struggle with standardised testing despite strong academic performance and potential.  

The test-blind policy is part of a broader trend within US higher education. Many colleges and universities have already adopted test-optional policies, allowing students to decide whether to submit test scores. As more institutions evaluate their admissions criteria, the movement towards test-blind admissions is anticipated to gain momentum in the coming years.  

Critics of standardised testing have long argued that these exams do not fully capture a student’s abilities or potential and disproportionately disadvantage marginalised communities. The new admissions policies are seen as a step towards levelling the playing field and creating opportunities for a more inclusive range of students to access higher education.  

The shift away from standardised tests underscores a significant evolution in college admissions. As institutions prioritise holistic evaluations of candidates, the emphasis on diverse talents, experiences, and perspectives is expected to enrich campuses across the country. This transition represents a pivotal step toward a fairer and more inclusive admissions framework, offering new possibilities for students traditionally underrepresented in higher education.