SAT Rules Change: What Students and Colleges Are Saying
Student Spotlight:
A student from Greater Latrobe, Autumn Blozowich, took the SAT three times but chose not to submit any scores when applying to Pitt, Kent State, and Penn State. She believed the essays better showcased her identity than raw numbers, and it worked—she was admitted to all three schools.
The Regional Landscape
Western Pennsylvania:
Colleges like Duquesne and Point Park have let students decide whether to include SAT scores for six years.Emerging Trend:
Andrew Gillen, a higher‑education policy scholar, predicts a shift back toward requiring SAT scores. Carnegie Mellon will need scores for competitive majors such as computer science next fall, signaling a potential resurgence of standardized testing.
A Brief History
- Origins: The SAT began in 1926, inspired by army IQ exams.
- Cost Today: $68 (fee waivers available).
- Pandemic Impact: In 2020, the SAT paused, causing over one million students to cancel test dates.
- Research Findings: Dropping SAT requirements did not dramatically alter admission demographics; a return may have a similarly small effect.
Institutional Perspectives
| Institution | Policy | Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| Seton Hill University | Test‑optional | Uses holistic review; 70% of recent applicants opted out. Emphasizes coursework, leadership, community work over a single score. |
| Penn State | Test‑optional | Values a body of work over one exam; concerns about prep costs and multiple attempts. |
| Carnegie Mellon | Requires scores for certain majors | Competitive programs rely on standardized metrics. |
| Dartmouth | Re‑introduced SATs | Study found scores help identify high‑achieving students from less‑advantaged backgrounds. |
Voices From the Field
- Michele Wisnesck (Seton Hill): “The test can help spot students who might otherwise be overlooked by grades alone.”
- Matt Melvin: Warns the test may become a barrier for those who can’t afford prep courses or multiple attempts.
- Laura Hamilton (Center for Assessment): Advocates using many data points for high‑stakes decisions.
- Erin Ulewicz: Took the test three times; believes it helped her application to Saint Francis but calls for clearer guidelines.
- Addison Tinsely: Supports test‑optional as leveling the field and reducing stress.
- Avery Adkins (Leechburg Area HS): Invests in prep courses; credits an online practice program for scholarship success.
- Sarah Levan (Greater Latrobe): Notes shifting attitudes—students now see the SAT as just one part of an application, with colleges focusing on the whole picture.
Bottom Line
The debate over SAT inclusion remains complex, balancing fairness, accessibility, and academic rigor. As policies evolve, institutions and students alike navigate the nuances of test‑optional versus required frameworks.
