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UC Regents Accelerate Review of SAT/ACT Reinstatement Amid Faculty Concerns

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The University of California is moving faster on a potential return to standardized testing in admissions, with Regents setting a June 2027 deadline for faculty recommendations on whether to reinstate SAT or ACT requirements.

Six years after UC dropped the tests in 2020 and adopted a strict test-blind policy, the system faces mounting pressure from faculty who say incoming students are unprepared for college-level work, particularly in math. More than 3,000 professors have signed open letters highlighting severe skill gaps, with some STEM students requiring middle-school-level remediation.

On Tuesday, UC Board of Regents Chair Maria Anguiano called on the Academic Senate to deliver recommendations by next June as part of a broader review of college readiness and high school A-G course requirements. The accelerated timeline follows the abrupt suspension last week of an earlier faculty study plan, which had targeted recommendations in May 2027 and possible implementation no earlier than fall 2028 applications.

UC President James B. Milliken emphasized the need for thoughtful but timely action. “There are few things more important on our agenda,” he said earlier in the process.The debate has drawn national attention. While UC stands nearly alone among elite institutions in remaining test-blind, many Ivy League schools and peers like Stanford have reinstated testing, citing its predictive value. Critics argue the tests favor wealthier students and perpetuate inequities, while supporters see them as an essential external benchmark amid grade inflation and varying high school quality.

No decision has been made. Any change would require approval by the Board of Regents and would not affect students applying for fall 2026 or 2027 entry, who continue under the current test-blind policy. Options under discussion include using California’s Smarter Balanced assessments for in-state applicants.

USC Expands Early Decision, Eliminates Common App Courses & Grades Section for First-Year Applicants

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University of Southern California is making three major changes that should really shake up its admissions profile for its Class of 2031 (the high school class of 2027) and beyond.

In the video above, I dive into three major shifts that could redefine your college application strategy, from enhanced early commitment options to refined testing protocols and simplified application expectations. These changes aren’t just bureaucratic tweaks; they’re designed to empower applicants, boost accessibility, and align with evolving trends in higher education. In the process, they could potential give you a crucial edge in standing out among thousands of hopefuls.

Yale Receives 1,000 Fewer Early Action Applications

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Yale announced early this year that it would return to being a test-required institution for first-year applicants during the 2024-2025 admissions cycle, so it should come as no surprise that Yale received 1,000 fewer Single-Choice Early Action applications this fall than it did last fall. Middling athletes, development cases, legacies, and underrepresented applicants are the hardest hit by Yale’s decision to yet again require standardized testing as part of its application review process.

This is what Affirmative Action and Test-Optional looks like at University of Wisconsin-Madison

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What does a decade’s worth of increasingly identity-based admissions look like at University of Wisconsin-Madison? You’re about to find out. But formal Affirmative Action, which was outlawed by The Supreme Court of the United States last year, is just part of the story.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison has seen a notable rise in popularity among first-year applicants in recent years driven by several factors including, but not limited to:

Academic Reputation
UW-Madison is consistently ranked among the top public universities in the U.S., known for its strong programs in fields like engineering, business, education, and the sciences. Its research output and faculty achievements have bolstered its appeal.

Diverse Offerings
The university has expanded its academic programs and research initiatives, attracting students with varied interests. New interdisciplinary programs and innovative majors have broadened its appeal.

Campus Experience
The vibrant campus life, with a rich array of extracurricular activities, cultural events, and a strong sense of community, has drawn students looking for a well-rounded college experience.

State and National Recognition
Increased visibility through national media and success stories of alumni have enhanced the university’s reputation. The Badger sports teams also contribute to a sense of pride and community.

Affordability and Financial Aid
Competitive tuition rates for in-state students, along with robust financial aid programs, make UW-Madison an attractive option for many families.

Strategic Enrollment Efforts
The university has implemented targeted outreach and recruitment strategies, including diversity initiatives, to attract a wider range of applicants.

Location
Madison, known for its quality of life, cultural vibrancy, and outdoor activities, is an appealing location for students seeking both academic and personal growth.

As a result of these factors, the number of first-year applicants has surged, leading to increasingly competitive admissions processes in recent years. This trend reflects not only the university’s strengths but also a broader demand for high-quality education and campus experiences. Yet, with more demand, comes lower acceptance rates and harder calls for admissions officers who are also deputized to increase the university’s undergraduate student diversity in an environment increasingly focused on identity.

The result is that University of Wisconsin-Madison has made significant strides in increasing diversity based on race, ethnicity, and the college going history of students’ families. The student body reflects an increasing mix of racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. To make this happen, University of Wisconsin-Madison has prioritized:

Recruitment Initiatives
UW-Madison has launched targeted recruitment programs aimed at high schools with significant populations of underrepresented students. This includes partnerships with community organizations and outreach to diverse communities.

Diversity and Inclusion Offices
The university has established offices dedicated to diversity and inclusion, which work on initiatives to support underrepresented students and foster an inclusive campus environment.

Scholarships and Financial Aid
Increased funding for scholarships aimed at underrepresented groups has helped to make the university more accessible. Programs like the Wisconsin Covenant provide opportunities for students from low-income backgrounds.

Cultural Centers
UW-Madison has various cultural centers, such as the Multicultural Student Center and the Black Cultural Center, which provide support, programming, and community for students from diverse backgrounds.

Curriculum and Training
The university has incorporated diversity training into its faculty development programs and has encouraged the inclusion of diverse perspectives in course offerings.

Retention Programs
Initiatives aimed at supporting the success of diverse students, including mentorship programs, academic support, and community-building events, have been implemented to improve retention and graduation rates.

Test Optional Admissions
Under the guise of COVID-19, the university went test optional in 2020, but the pandemic is long gone and UW Madison remains test optional.

Increasing Use of Affirmative Action
The video below illuminates how the university’s admissions officers increasingly harnessed Affirmative Action to grow certain demographics’ presence on campus through the 2022-2023 admissions cycle.

With the results of the Class of 2028 census now in, we can now look holistically at ten years worth (all the way back to the 2014-2015 admissions cycle) of admissions and enrollment data from first-year applicants/students at University of Wisconsin-Madison, which I dissect below. Only time will tell how diverse (in all ways) the university will be over the coming years in our brave new post-Affirmative Action world.

Time is Ticking: 8 Tips High School Students Need to Follow Now to Make Their College Dreams a Reality 

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Getting into the college of your dreams requires careful planning, dedication, and strategic actions throughout your high school years. Whether you have your sights set on an Ivy League school or a highly selective public university, the earlier you start preparing, the better your chances of being accepted. Here are several tips to help you build a strong college application:

1. Focus on Academic Excellence Early

Your academic record is one of the most critical components of your college application. Colleges typically begin looking at your grades as early as your freshman year. This means that every grade counts, and starting strong will give you a solid foundation to build upon.

  • Take Challenging Courses: Colleges like to see students challenging themselves academically. This includes enrolling in honors and Advanced Placement (AP) classes. Taking honors classes can also boost your GPA, making your application more competitive. Learn more about how honors classes boost your GPA to understand the benefits of these courses.
  • Aim for Consistency: Rather than aiming for perfection, focus on consistency. Maintaining a high GPA throughout high school is crucial. If you’re aiming for a school that accepts students with a 3.5 GPA or higher, check out these colleges that accept a 3.5 GPA to explore your options.
  • Understand Grade Expectations: It’s important to know when colleges start looking at your grades. Generally, they consider your performance from ninth grade onwards, but they pay particular attention to your junior year. Find out more about what grades colleges look at to ensure you’re on track.

2. Get Involved in Extracurricular Activities

Extracurricular activities are a great way to demonstrate your interests, leadership skills, and commitment to your passions outside of the classroom. They can also significantly strengthen your college application by showcasing your well-rounded character.

  • Choose Quality Over Quantity: While it might be tempting to join as many clubs as possible, it’s more effective to focus on a few activities that genuinely interest you and where you can make a significant impact. Colleges prefer depth over breadth in extracurricular activities. Learn more about how many clubs you should join in high school to maximize your participation.
  • Pursue Leadership Roles: Taking on leadership roles in your extracurricular activities can set you apart from other applicants. Whether it’s becoming the president of a club, leading a community service project, or captaining a sports team, leadership demonstrates initiative and responsibility.
  • Balance Your Activities: While it’s important to be involved, you should also maintain a balance between your extracurricular activities and your academics. Colleges look for students who can manage their time effectively and excel both inside and outside the classroom.

3. Build Strong Relationships with Teachers

Teachers can be invaluable resources when it comes to applying for college. Not only can they offer academic support, but they can also provide letters of recommendation, which are a crucial part of your application.

  • Engage in Class: Show genuine interest in your courses by participating in class discussions, asking questions, and seeking help when needed. Teachers are more likely to remember and write strong letters of recommendation for students who are engaged and proactive in their learning.
  • Seek Help Early: If you’re struggling in a particular subject, don’t wait until it’s too late to ask for help. Building a relationship with your teachers early on will show them that you’re dedicated to your education.
  • Request Letters of Recommendation: When the time comes, ask teachers who know you well and can speak to your strengths and character. It’s also important to give them plenty of notice and provide any necessary information they might need to write a compelling recommendation. For more detailed guidance, check out this resource on how to get letters of recommendation for college.

4. Prepare for Standardized Tests

While some colleges are moving towards test-optional admissions, standardized tests like the SAT and ACT are still an important part of the application process for many schools. Preparing thoroughly for these exams can improve your chances of getting into your desired college.

  • Start Early: Begin preparing for standardized tests well in advance. This gives you ample time to understand the test format, identify your strengths and weaknesses, and improve through practice.
  • Take Practice Tests: Taking practice tests under timed conditions can help you get used to the test format and identify areas where you need to focus more.
  • Consider Test Prep Courses: If you’re struggling with self-study, consider enrolling in a test prep course. These courses can provide you with strategies to tackle different sections of the test and help improve your score.

5. Plan Your College Search and Visits

Starting your college search early can help you narrow down your choices and ensure that you’re applying to schools that are a good fit for you academically, socially, and financially.

  • Research Early: Begin researching colleges as early as your sophomore year. Look into different programs, campus culture, location, and other factors that are important to you. This will help you identify what you want in a college.
  • Visit Campuses: If possible, visit the campuses of the colleges you’re interested in. This can give you a feel for the environment and help you determine if it’s the right fit for you.
  • Attend College Fairs and Info Sessions: College fairs and information sessions are great opportunities to learn more about different schools and speak with admissions representatives.

6. Develop a Strong Personal Statement and Application Essays

Your personal statement and application essays are your chance to showcase who you are beyond your grades and test scores. They allow you to tell your story, explain any discrepancies in your academic record, and demonstrate your writing ability.

  • Start Early: Don’t wait until the last minute to start writing your essays. Give yourself plenty of time to brainstorm, write, and revise your essays. A well-thought-out essay can make a big difference in your application.
  • Be Authentic: Write about something that is meaningful to you. Admissions officers can tell when an essay is genuine versus when it’s written to impress.
  • Proofread Carefully: Make sure to proofread your essays multiple times and ask someone else to review them as well. Spelling and grammatical errors can detract from an otherwise strong essay.

7. Plan Your Financial Strategy

Paying for college is a significant concern for many families, and planning your financial strategy early can alleviate some of this stress.

  • Apply for Scholarships: There are numerous scholarships available for high school students, ranging from academic to extracurricular-based awards. Start researching scholarships early and apply to as many as you can.
  • Fill Out the FAFSA: The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the key to accessing federal financial aid. Be sure to fill it out as soon as it becomes available in October of your senior year.
  • Consider Financial Fit: While it’s important to aim high, make sure to include some financially realistic schools on your list as well. This will ensure you have options when it comes time to make your final decision.

8. Stay Organized Throughout the Process

Applying to college involves managing many moving parts, from keeping track of deadlines to gathering necessary documents. Staying organized can help ensure you don’t miss any important steps in the process.

  • Create a College Checklist: List all the tasks you need to complete for each college you’re applying to, including deadlines for applications, tests, and financial aid forms.
  • Use a Calendar: Keep a calendar or planner to track important dates and deadlines. This will help you stay on top of everything and reduce the stress of last-minute preparations.
  • Keep Copies of Everything: Maintain copies of all your application materials, including essays, transcripts, and letters of recommendation. This will make it easier to keep track of what you’ve submitted and follow up if needed.

By starting early and following these tips, high school students can set themselves up for success and improve their chances of getting into the college of their dreams. Remember, the college admissions process is a marathon, not a sprint, so take it step by step and stay focused on your goals.

ACT making Science section optional in 2025

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The ACT is changing in two majors ways starting in 2025.

First, students will have the ability to choose whether to take the Science section, which up until now has been a required section of the test. English, Reading, and Math remain will continue as the core sections of the ACT test that will result in a college-reportable score. Like the Writing section, which is already optional, Science will be offered as an additional section. This means students can choose to take the ACT, the ACT plus Science, the ACT plus Writing, or the ACT plus Science and Writing.

As a result, the ACT Composite score will be the average of the English, Reading, and Math scores. The Composite and section scores will continue to be reported on the same 1-36 scale, and those behind the ACT believe that colleges will continue to use these scores as “powerful indicators of achievement and college readiness.”

Students will also continue to be able to take the test online or with paper and pencil.

Second, ACT has also reduced the length of the test by up to one-third, depending on which version of the test students take. The new core test will last just two hours, compared to three hours for the current test. To achieve this, the test will include shorter passages on the Reading and English sections and fewer questions in each section (44 fewer questions total), which will allow students more time to answer each question.

Both of these major changes, along with other enhancements to modernize the test, will roll out starting with National online testing in Spring 2025 and then for school-day testing in Spring 2026. So, members of the high school Class of 2026 and later are most impacted by these changes to the ACT.

As part of the announcement, Janet Godwin, ACT CEO shared, “I’m thrilled about the future and the opportunities that lie ahead for us and those we serve. Our unwavering commitment to meeting the evolving needs of students and educators drives us forward. These enhancements are just the beginning, and we are eager to continue revolutionizing how we prepare learners for future challenges and opportunities. For more than 65 years, ACT has embraced innovation, and we are focused forward on delivering our vision to transform college and career readiness pathways so that everyone can discover and fulfill their potential.”

ACT, which was formally part of a non-profit organization, was purchased by the private equity firm Nexus Capital Management in April.

David Blobaum, co-founder of Summit Prep, notes that the ACT’s Science section was always named incorrectly. “How many students have chosen not to take the ACT because it has a so-called ‘Science’ section? Countless. Incorrectly naming this section probably cost the ACT a billion dollars (or more) over its 70 year history.” Blobaum argues the Science section should have been named “Reading Graphs and Tables” long ago. “That’s more accurate and less scary.”

In addition, Blobaum shared that he “can’t see any way that students won’t score higher on the new ACT tests. If the content is the same (and the ACT has promised it will be) and students get more time per question…then how will students not do better?”

Only time will tell whether student performance on the ACT actually improves. Also up in the air are which colleges will continue to require or recommend the newly-optional Science section and which colleges will be perfectly happy to require or recommend the ACT with only its new core sections. Stay tuned.

University of Chicago 2024-2025 Essay Prompts as Creative as Ever

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University of Chicago has revealed its 2024-2025 admissions cycle supplemental essay prompts, and they’re as distinctive as ever before.

The first essay first-year applicants must respond to is the relatively staid “Why UChicago” essay prompt that has been around for a while:

How does the University of Chicago, as you know it now, satisfy your desire for a particular kind of learning, community, and future? Please address with some specificity your own wishes and how they relate to UChicago.

While there is no formal word count limit on applicants’ responses to the prompt above, one page single-spaced should be more than enough.

Then, depending on one’s perspective, things either go off a cliff or get really exciting because University of Chicago asks first-year applicants to complete one more essay (again with no defined word-count limit) in response to one of the following new prompts for those seeking admission into University of Chicago’s undergraduate Class of 2029:

Essay Option 1: We’re all familiar with green-eyed envy or feeling blue, but what about being “caught purple-handed”? Or “tickled orange”? Give an old color-infused expression a new hue and tell us what it represents.
– Inspired by Ramsey Bottorff, Class of 2026

Essay Option 2: “Ah, but I was so much older then / I’m younger than that now” – Bob Dylan. In what ways do we become younger as we get older?
– Inspired by Joshua Harris, Class of 2016

Essay Option 3: Pluto, the demoted planet. Ophiuchus, the thirteenth Zodiac. Andy Murray, the fourth to tennis’s Big Three. Every grouping has something that doesn’t quite fit in. Tell us about a group and its unofficial member, why (or why not) should it be excluded?
– Inspired by Veronica Chang, Class of 2022

Essay Option 4: “Daddy-o”, “Far Out”, “Gnarly”: the list of slang terms goes on and on. Sadly, most of these aren’t so “fly” anymore – “as if!” Name an outdated slang from any decade or language that you’d bring back and explain why you totally “dig it.”
– Inspired by Napat Sakdibhornssup, Class of 2028

Essay Option 5: How many piano tuners are there in Chicago? What is the total length of chalk used by UChicago professors in a year? How many pages of books are in the Regenstein Library? These questions are among a class of estimation problems named after University of Chicago physicist Enrico Fermi. Create your own Fermi estimation problem, give it your best answer, and show us how you got there.
– Inspired by Malhar Manek, Class of 2028

The sixth option for an applicant’s second essay is the following catch all:

Essay Option 6: And, as always… the classic choose your own adventure option! In the spirit of adventurous inquiry, choose one of our past prompts (or create a question of your own). Be original, creative, thought provoking. Draw on your best qualities as a writer, thinker, visionary, social critic, sage, citizen of the world, or future citizen of the University of Chicago; take a little risk, and have fun!

Of course, UChicago first-year applicants must also complete the Common App essay.

Also new for the 2024-2025 admissions cycle, University of Chicago has a no-harm testing policy regardless of whether applicants take advantage of the university’s Early Decision I (November 1 deadline), Early Action (November 1 deadline), Early Decision II (January 6 deadline), or Regular Decision (January 6 deadline) admissions plans.

While University of Chicago has yet to publish its Class of 2028 Profile, its Class of 2027 Profile indicates that 38,800 students applied, 1,849 students were accepted, and 1,626 matriculated into the university from the start to the finish of the 2022-2023 admissions cycle.

More Thoughts About the University of Chicago Supplemental Essay Prompts:

What Do Actual University of Chicago Students Love About Their University? We Asked:

University of Chicago Introduces Exclusive Very Early Decision (EVED)

How to Deal with Test Anxiety: 8 Techniques and Tips

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Heart-racing, stomach-turning. You fidget with the Number Two pencil in your hands as the instructor passes around the test. 

Sound familiar? 

You are not alone. Test anxiety on standardized tests in America is way more common than you think. Some studies have shown over 82% of students experience some measure of anxiety before a test like the SAT or ACT. Many professors and experts will tell you that a bit of nervous energy before taking a test is normal, and even beneficial, to your results in the end. 

But what if this anxiety is hindering your performance on the actual exam?

Today, we are going to break down 8 tips to help you conquer test anxiety.

But first, what exactly Is Test Anxiety?

Test anxiety is a term that describes having severe or excessive physical and emotional reactions to being in a testing environment. These reactions are often so strong that they interfere with your ability to do your best on the exam. To read more about the symptoms and reasons for test anxiety, check out this post here.

If you are feeling anxious about the college application process in general, remember that you don’t have to go through this process alone. It might help you to work one-on-one with an admissions professional to know exactly what to focus on in this stressful season of life.

1. Practice makes Perfect

This might be an obvious one, but this is the best tip for quelling your anxious thoughts on test day. Prepare for the material and structure of the exams through practice tests and flashcards. Our admissions experts also recommend being consistent with the amount you’re studying, but to vary where you study. Try working from a coffee shop, local library, or even outside. This will help you retain information and stay focused!

2. Be prepared for the format and timing of the test

One of the biggest things that can trip students up on test day is not being comfortable with the structure or timing of the SAT and ACT. Be sure to do your research beforehand, so the test day doesn’t have as many unknown factors.

3. Register for the exam early and be aware of the date you pick

This one may seem simple, but we have seen far too many students forget to sign up for the test or double-book themselves! Try to register for an exam date that is in a relatively quiet season for your schedule. If you can help it, don’t schedule it for when you have busy personal things going on, or during your sports season for example. This will help ease your anxiety during the week leading up to the test.

4. Arrive 10 minutes earlier than you normally would

No one wants to be rushed and stressed out on the morning of the big exam day! Be sure to add 10 extra minutes to your morning routine, so you can arrive early.

5. Breathe – simple but effective

Remember, if the anxiety becomes too much in the middle of the exam, you can take a break and breathe through it. It’s not against the rules to close your eyes and take a few deep breaths in the middle of the exam. These breaths are not only steadying and calming but also giving your brain a bit more oxygen, which can help you figure out the problem you’re stuck on.

6. You’re not alone!

As we mentioned in the intro to this blog post, test anxiety is a phenomenon that affects many high school students. Recognize that in your testing room, it is likely that most students are in your same mental state.

7. Know the average SAT score for your target colleges

Before the big test day, be sure to look up the average SAT score for your top 3 schools. It might be lower than you are expecting! Knowing the range of questions you can miss and still make the mark for admissions can help ease some anxiety on the day of the test. You won’t know everything – and that’s okay.

8. Take advantage of expert advice

As you prepare for your upcoming test, always remember that you don’t have to go through this process alone.  You can team up with college advisors, such as Ivy League-educated counselors or SAT coaches to give you 1-1 coaching. And you can find experts for every part of the admission process beyond the SAT, such as college essay coaches to guide you through the application essay drafting process.

We hope this helped relieve some of your testing anxiety and gave you some tips to use the next test day! 

Caltech to require SAT or ACT scores again

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On the heels of Harvard announcing that it was reversing its decision to stay test-optional for the 2024-2025 admissions cycle, Caltech has announced that it too will again require first-year applicants to submit their SAT or ACT scores to be considered for admission.

In sharing the decision with high school counselors, Caltech’s Executive Director of Undergraduate Admissions, Ashley M. Pallie, noted that “since our test-free moratorium was put into place, we have seen an increasing number of enrolling students who have taken an exam. For fall 2021, that number was 81%. For the class that entered in fall 2023, more than 95% of students had test scores. These scores were not visible to the admissions office until after final admissions decisions were made.” This is because Caltech had decided in 2020 to be ‘test-free’ in its admissions process, whereas most other selective colleges and universities in the United States only became ‘test-optional’ in 2020. In a ‘test-free’ environment, a student’s test scores, even if a student wants to submit them, are not considered in any way, shape, or form.

Pallie also made clear that Caltech is continuing to look “for students who are unabashedly and overwhelmingly passionate about STEM and have showcased a clear alignment with our research mission. With this decision, we remain committed to our review process that seeks to identify these most promising STEM scholars. Standardized test scores provide one additional data point in our holistic review process.”

“Caltech has a distinctive approach to undergraduate admissions that involves both professional admissions staff and faculty. Our faculty are scientists and engineers who always consider all available data and in science, we would never dismiss a variable. Recognizing that more than 95% of our enrolling students have that testing variable (fewer than 10 did not), the admissions reviewers should be able to see it and use that data in the context of the unique circumstances and experiences of students.” Pallie added.

Before Caltech’s application for fall 2025 goes live in August, its admissions office will share more detailed communication around the institutions’s updated application requirements.

“We are proud of the students we’ve enrolled over the last several years and confident in the steps we’ve taken to enhance our ability to identify students who will succeed at – and beyond – Caltech,” says Provost David Tirrell.

Dartmouth to Request SAT or ACT for First-Year Applicants Again

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Dartmouth College

Dartmouth College has announced that it will yet again require high school students in the United States to share either an SAT or ACT score as part of their application for admission. The change takes effect for students applying for Fall 2025 admission (those students who will begin their applications in Summer or Fall 2024).

“The reactivation [of the test-required policy] has been modeled on a very comprehensive research study by a group of faculty,” said Lee Coffin, Vice President and Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid, in an interview with The Dartmouth.

“We’re getting more and more applications from all around the world, and so in order to find high achieving students, test scores turn out to be a really helpful tool,” said Bruce Sacerdote, Dartmouth Class of ’90, who was part of the research group of faculty. “Our analysis shows that we potentially miss out on some great applicants when we don’t have [test scores].”

“Social science has a concept called the ceiling effect,” Coffin said. “When you plot people in a curve, there’s a cluster at the top of the curve. That’s our applicant pool. Most of the people who apply to Dartmouth are straight A students.”

The New York Times has shared more motivations for the decision, here is the working group’s report, and Dartmouth’s full updated standardized testing expectations for first year applicants, which actually are different depending on whether an applicant goes to high school in the US or goes to high school outside of the US. To learn more about what this means going forward, get my thoughts in the video below.