Will Princeton Be The Next Ivy to Make Test-Optional Permanent?
As we slowly come out of the pandemic, college life is starting to resemble pre-Covid times in many respects. However, one thing that is still up in the air is the test-optional policy for many top colleges. Columbia, for example, has announced that they will permanently go test-optional for all future applicants. Princeton, on the other hand, remained test-optional for this past admissions cycle (Class of 2027), but has not yet announced plans for next year’s cycle.
Current students at Princeton are filling the void by commenting on both sides of the debate, as seen in The Daily Princetonian, the official publication of Princeton University. On one side of the debate is the argument that Princeton should remain test-optional permanently. This thinking stems from the idea that by eliminating the standardized test requirement, it will make the university more accessible to first-generation, low-income students because the tests set up an unfair barrier that disadvantages those who are not able to afford test preparation tutoring. By eliminating the testing requirements, students who do not perform as well on standardized tests but have strong GPAs, stellar extracurricular activities, and excellent essay writing skills stand a better chance of admission without the tests.
On the other side of the debate is the argument that admissions are more fair when the tests are considered. After all, the test scores assign an “objective” metric that allows the university to accurately gauge a student’s readiness for college. Without this quantifiable data, how are admissions truly being judged? A “better” essay is in the eye of the reader. A strong essay might impress one reader but not the next. A high GPA, while required for any top-college, mainly shows that a student has done well in their particular high school, but doesn’t necessarily mean that the student is ready to tackle college-level material. The SAT and ACT provide metrics for colleges to fairly and equally assess a student with, again, quantifiable data.
Both sides have strong arguments. But while this debate rages on, we want to emphasize, as we have stated countless times, that we strongly encourage all of our students to take the standardized tests. Even if the college to which you want to apply doesn’t require them, high test scores will help you stand out against the students who choose not to take them. It’s essentially extra credit, and shows a willingness to go above and beyond the college’s requirements. So no matter what your first-choice college requires for your admission cycle, take the test! Submit a high score. You’ll be glad you did when that acceptance letter comes.
If you’re interested in tutoring services, practice tests, and test preparation services, reach out to Ivy Link to get started. We provide one-on-one tutoring remote and in-person tutoring, with customized tutoring plans for each student.
