The landscape of college admissions continues to shift as universities re-evaluate the role of standardized testing in the application process. In a major policy change, the University of Pennsylvania (Penn) has announced that it will reinstate its standardized testing requirement for the 2025-2026 admissions cycle. Meanwhile, Carleton College has chosen to permanently adopt a test-optional policy following a five-year pilot program. These decisions highlight the ongoing debate about the value of standardized testing in holistic admissions.
PENN’S RETURN TO REQUIRED TESTING
Beginning with students applying for fall 2026 admission, Penn will once again require applicants to submit SAT or ACT scores. The university’s decision marks a departure from the test-optional policy it implemented in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020-2021. Penn’s stated goal is to bring “clarity and transparency” to the admissions process, eliminating the uncertainty that many students faced when deciding whether to submit test scores.
Penn emphasizes that standardized testing will continue to serve as just one component of its holistic review process. The university maintains that test scores can provide useful additional information alongside a student’s academic record. However, recognizing that some applicants may still face barriers in accessing tests, Penn will offer a waiver option for students experiencing hardship.
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CARLETON’S COMMITMENT TO TEST-OPTIONAL ADMISSIONS
In contrast, Carleton College has doubled down on its test-optional policy, moving from a temporary pilot program to a permanent policy after conducting extensive analysis and gathering community feedback. Carleton’s Admissions and Financial Aid Committee (AFAC), supported by an independent study from the Huron Consulting Group, concluded that the college’s holistic review process effectively assesses academic readiness without requiring standardized test scores.
The data collected during the pilot period revealed several key insights:
- Carleton’s Academic Rating, an internal metric used to assess applicants, proved to be the strongest predictor of first-year GPA, regardless of test score submission.
- Students who applied without test scores demonstrated equal or higher retention rates compared to those who submitted them.
- Test-optional policies encouraged applications from students from diverse backgrounds, particularly non-white, Pell-eligible, and low-income students.
Carleton’s leadership, including President Alison Byerly, expressed confidence in the decision to remain test-optional, emphasizing the college’s commitment to attracting a diverse and engaged student body. The policy will continue to be periodically reviewed to ensure it aligns with Carleton’s admissions goals.
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THE ONGOING DEBATE ON STANDARDIZED TESTING
The diverging paths of Penn and Carleton underscore the complexity of the test-optional debate in college admissions. Proponents of required testing argue that standardized exams provide an additional, objective measure of academic ability and help admissions offices make more informed decisions. Conversely, advocates for test-optional policies highlight concerns about equity and accessibility, noting that students from underprivileged backgrounds may face systemic barriers to high test scores.
For students navigating the college application process, these policy shifts reinforce the importance of understanding individual school requirements. Whether applying to a test-required institution like Penn or a test-optional school like Carleton, students should consider how their academic strengths align with each institution’s admissions philosophy.
As the national landscape around standardized testing continues to evolve, universities will likely keep reassessing their policies. For now, the choices made by Penn and Carleton reflect two distinct philosophies—one embracing the traditional role of standardized tests and the other prioritizing a broader, more flexible approach to assessing student potential.
READ MORE FROM OUR BLOG ABOUT THE TEST-OPTIONAL DEBATE
- Standardized Testing and Its Role in College Admissions
- Standardized Testing Policies: A Shifting Landscape
- University of Miami Reinstates Standardized Testing
- Stanford Reinstates Standardized Testing
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