In the rapidly changing landscape of college admissions, standardized tests like the SAT and ACT have undergone significant transformation, especially with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Once crucial, these tests have faced increased exploration and temporary suspension by colleges nationwide. Dartmouth College recently announced the reinstatement of standardized testing requirements, starting with the class of 2029, potentially signaling a shift in admissions trends, with other prestigious institutions like Yale likely to follow. For high school juniors and parents, these changes raise questions about navigating the college application process effectively.

While Dartmouth's decision may not change plans for some applicants, it does highlight a broader trend. Despite some colleges temporarily suspending test-optional policies, the benefits of such policies remain established, as they aid in diversifying applicant pools and aligning admissions practices with equity and inclusivity goals. Dartmouth's admissions head, Lee Coffin, noted that going test-optional during the pandemic was always meant as a temporary measure.  Additionally, the timing of the decision may pose challenges, as applicants and high schools have already adjusted their strategies and plans based on the test-optional policy.

For rising high school seniors, understanding these changes is crucial. Vern Granger, director of undergraduate admissions at the University of Connecticut, highlighted that going test-optional was part of broader efforts to create a diverse applicant pool. He emphasized the importance of a holistic approach to admissions, considering factors beyond test scores. Granger advised students to submit scores only if they fall within the middle 50 percent range of enrolled students and accurately reflect their abilities. He also emphasized that not submitting scores would not disadvantage applicants. This trend towards a more holistic approach in college admissions emphasizes the importance of focusing on learning and personal growth experiences in high school. He noted, that by taking control of aspects they can control, students can position themselves for success in their college admissions journey, with or without a test score

The decision to return to a required testing policy at Dartmouth may have implications for the future of standardized testing in college admissions, especially as the College Board has shifted its SAT toward digital test formats. This move could signal a broader trend toward digital testing in the ACT and AP exams and may spark more discussions about the role of standardized testing in admissions going forward. Additionally, while standardized testing has been criticized for perpetuating inequalities, some argue that it can aid in diversifying applicant pools by providing an additional measure of academic achievement for students from underrepresented backgrounds. However, ensuring that standardized testing aligns with equity and inclusivity goals requires ongoing examination of its impact on diverse populations and careful consideration of how it is used in the admissions process.