Following Dartmouth’s lead, Yale is the most recent Ivy League school to reinstate standardized test scores as a requirement for new students. This means that Yale applicants will need to submit either SAT, ACT, or advanced placement scores in order to be considered for admission. This adjustment will go into effect for students applying for the fall class of 2025.
Yale claims their previous choice to forego standardized test scores became a hindrance to applicants from low socioeconomic backgrounds. According to the Ivy League, admissions committees had less student information to work with therefore putting more emphasis on GPAs and extracurricular activities when assessing applications. Thus, students who suffered in these areas were not given an opportunity to reinforce their scholastic strengths via test scores.
Administrators at Yale assert that requiring standardized testing scores helps them get a fully rounded view of each individual as a student. They claim having access to these scores will “highlight an applicant’s areas of academic strength.” However, they wish to emphasize that test scores alone can not predict student achievement and will only be used as a piece of a larger puzzle when reviewing student qualifications.
Kayley Horton, Tutoring Coordinator
607-848-1266