Princeton University Reinstates ACT/SAT Requirement for 2028 Admissions
Princeton University Revives Standardized Testing Requirements for 2027 Admissions
Princeton’s Move Towards Standardized Testing in Admissions
Princeton University has announced the reinstatement of standardized test score submissions for undergraduate admissions starting with the 2027-28 admission cycle. Candidates seeking entry in fall 2028 must provide SAT or ACT scores. This decision follows a comprehensive evaluation of data collected during a five-year test-optional period initiated due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Analyzing the Impact of Testing on Academic Performance
According to the university’s analysis, the data revealed that students who submitted test scores generally performed better academically than those who did not. Consequently, the university believes that standardized testing is a valuable indicator of potential academic success.
Exceptions and the Holistic Admission Approach
Despite the reintroduction of the testing requirement, Princeton emphasizes that standardized test scores will be just one of several components in its holistic application review process. There are no minimum score requirements, and accommodations will be made for active military personnel who may face logistical challenges in accessing test centers.
Wider Trends Among Ivy League and Other Institutions
Princeton’s decision aligns with trends observed at other prestigious institutions, including Ivy League counterparts like Cornell, Dartmouth, Harvard, and Yale, who have also resumed testing requirements. Columbia University remains the lone Ivy League member maintaining a test-optional policy.
Many universities, such as CalTech, MIT, and Stanford, have also returned to standardized testing, while others, including the University of Michigan and the University of California, continue to uphold test-optional or test-free policies.
The Role of Federal Policies in Testing Requirements
The resurgence of standardized testing requirements is partly influenced by federal policies under the Trump administration, which emphasize the necessity of objective criteria, including test scores, in admissions. Recent guidelines issued by the Department of Education caution against the use of race-based criteria in admissions, underscoring that reliance on non-racial proxies like standardized testing must be maintained to ensure federal funding compliance.
Looking Ahead
As educational institutions navigate admissions policies, the debate over the role of standardized tests in evaluating student potential persists. For Princeton and similar universities, testing data remains a significant component in identifying academically promising candidates across diverse backgrounds.
