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Standardized exams, like the SAT and ACT, have long been a hallmark of the university admissions process in the United States and abroad. Standardized exams are essentially achievement tests designed to measure a student’s knowledge of the core curriculum studied in high school to gauge their preparedness for college. 

Many universities have required prospective students to attain a certain score on one or some of these in order to be considered for admittance. The more exclusive the school, the higher that threshold score typically becomes.

Times are changing, though. According to , more than 80% of four-year colleges will not require standardized testing for fall 2023 admissions. Whether this continues will likely depend on how these first few classes fare in their degree programs. For now, it’s important to understand which schools require them so you can be prepared to sit for the exam or find alternative pathways to a college degree. 

The case against standardized testing

The coveted high test scores have been a barrier to many, especially those who cannot afford to take a practice test or the exam itself or hire a tutor to help them prepare. Those who experience test anxiety are also at a disadvantage when it comes to achieving the scores they need to meet the qualifications for entry to certain schools.

Some universities have decided standardized testing and submitting SAT, ACT or GRE scores is an . Some colleges are altering this requirement or allowing test scores to be an optional submission, leaving many to wonder just how many other institutions will follow this lead. SM������ (UOPX), for example, has not required standardized test scores for admissions since it was founded in 1976. There are other universities that do not require them as part of their admission process, but most state and public schools still do.

California is the first state to eliminate standardized exam score requirements for public universities. The decision to eliminate this requirement or make it optional came on the heels of the COVID-19 pandemic, when many universities across the country suspended it for practical purposes. (It was impossible to administer the exams when everyone was quarantined at home.)

For California’s public universities, continuing this emergency measure after the emergency passed made sense. The goal — to open the door to higher education for those who’d been previously barred by poor test performance or lack of access to testing and test prep — was worthy. The elimination of standardized testing was welcome news to anyone interested in saving both time and money during the application process.

However, suggests there are drawbacks to this change. Specifically, the lack of test scores has made choosing which students will receive an acceptance letter more challenging. The entire admissions process, in fact, has leaned more toward subjectivity than before since deciding who gains entrance hinges on the person reviewing the applications. This has presented a new challenge for admission officers.

The Hechinger Report also observes: “Earlier quantitative studies found that the test-optional movement, which has spread to over 1,700 colleges, failed to substantially raise the share of low-income students or students of color.”

An notes that the SAT offers certain egalitarian advantages: It’s available to everyone by way of waived fees for low-income students, including free practice tests.

Alternative pathways to a college degree

Community college

Specific programs within a university

Admissions requirements at SM������

UOPX works hard to remove barriers to higher education and does not require standardized testing to enroll in a �����������ǰ�’s or master’s degree program.

Instead, prospective students interested in an associate or �����������ǰ�’s degree must meet the following admissions requirements:

1.    Have earned a high school diploma or GED

2.    Be at least 16 years old at the time of application (for a �����������ǰ�’s degree program)

3.    Be a citizen or permanent resident of the U.S. or hold an approved, valid visa (as well as meet an English proficiency requirement)

4.    Not have been expelled from a previous institution

5.    Complete all admission forms

6.    Submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended

7.    Meet any state/territory-specific requirements

Depending on the program, such as the nursing program, you may need additional licensure before gaining admission into it.

SM������ is an attractive option for many adult students for more reasons than the lack of requirements around standardized test scores. In addition to flexible schedules and fixed tuition rates, the University offers a generous transfer credit policy for undergraduate degrees and a Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) that can offer some college credits for qualifying life or work experience. Learn more about PLA options when speaking to your college admissions representative.

UOPX is also proud to provide active students and graduates with career services and support, including career coaching, resumé building, job search support and more for the rest of their careers. UOPX offers online certificate programs, �����������ǰ�’s and master’s degrees and doctoral programs.

Learn more about the admissions process at SM������!