Analysis Behind the Decision
In a recent shift in policy, Cornell University has joined the ranks of Ivy League institutions that require SAT or ACT scores for undergraduate admissions. This new mandate is set to take effect for students seeking enrollment in the fall of 2026. Cornell’s decision comes as a pivot from their test-optional stance—an adjustment initially adopted as a temporary measure during the COVID-19 pandemic. The move is indicative of a desire to return to pre-pandemic admissions processes that consider standardized testing as a key component in evaluating academic potential.
The university convened a task force of faculty and administrators to scrutinize the effects that doing away with standardized testing from admission considerations would have. Their findings reported an incremental enhancement in the diversity of new admits since the implementation of a test-optional policy. However, it was determined that such trends were not solely the product of the policy but also the continuation of progressive admissions practices over several years. The revival of the SAT and ACT criteria is seen as an avenue to preserve the integrity of Cornell’s holistic evaluation of applicants.
Standardized Testing as a Contextual Tool
In the midst of debates over college admissions since the pandemic, standardized tests remain a critical issue. As Cornell strives to balance academic integrity with accessible admissions, it faces a dilemma. The task force found that test-submitters had higher admission rates, indicating that withholding scores could disadvantage some applicants.
Cornell challenges the test-optional trend, asserting the importance of SAT/ACT scores for comprehensive evaluations. The scores offer a uniform yardstick, especially beneficial for students whose high school grades may not fully capture their potential. Cornell believes that standardized tests still provide essential insights, ensuring that the university can select students who truly align with its high standards amidst the complexities of admissions.
