On the morning of June 14, the University of Chicago announced it will no longer require SAT or ACT scores for undergraduate applicants.
Ranked third in the nation by U.S. News, Chicago is the first elite institution to make such a move. Although a growing number of U.S. colleges have dropped the SAT/ACT requirement, Chicago is the first among the top 20 national universities to adopt this policy, breaking away from the steadfast, long-standing support for standardized entrance exams at the two dozen most prestigious research universities.
"The University of Chicago will no longer require ACT or SAT scores from U.S. students, sending a jolt through elite institutions of higher education as it becomes the first top-10 research university to join the test-optional movement"
"The University of Chicago will no longer require ACT or SAT scores from U.S. students, sending a jolt through elite institutions of higher education as it becomes the first top-10 research university to join the test-optional movement."
Many may misunderstand that Chicago no longer wants SAT/ACT scores. In fact, the debate over standardized testing in admissions has been ongoing. Just this April, a study of 955,774 applicants at 28 universities found that after adopting test-optional policies, enrollment of African American and Latino students increased with no negative impact on overall graduation rates.
According to data from the College Board, white and Asian students tend to outperform others on the SAT. On one hand, African American and Latino applicants protest being denied admission due to lower scores. On the other, Asian American applicants argue that admissions standards are significantly higher for them, with Harvard even being sued for alleged discrimination against Asian Americans.
For the class entering in fall 2017, Chicago received 27,694 applications and admitted 2,419, an acceptance rate of just 8.73%. Among enrolled students, the middle 50% had SAT scores between 1460 and 1550. This shows how competitive it is. Most students might rejoice at the relaxed policy, thinking they no longer need to obsess over test scores, as if they are just one step away from Chicago.
In reality, the policy is indeed optional. Transcripts can show your academic performance in school, but because every school is different, standardized tests serve as strong evidence of your academic achievement. SAT, ACT, and other measures remain an important part of Chicago’s holistic review... "We encourage students to take standardized tests like the SAT/ACT."
Some applicants believe that the SAT/ACT does not fully reflect their academic preparation or potential. If you are such an applicant, and you are a domestic (U.S.) applicant, you can choose the test-optional policy and not submit SAT/ACT scores... International students may choose to submit predicted IB scores or A-level results instead of the SAT/ACT.
Now with the test-optional policy, you can submit your scores if you wish. But if you feel your scores don't fully represent you, you can provide other evidence of your academic potential—whether other test scores or academic projects such as creative writing, AP work, research papers, business plans, etc.; and, unlike traditional reviews, you also have the option to submit a two-minute video introducing yourself.
What does this mean? It’s like saying "no" but acting "yes"! It may seem like scores are less important, but in fact, Chicago now wants not only SAT/ACT scores—this greedy (bleep) wants even more! In short, the more you submit, the better. They can handle it. Remember, experience still counts—the old hand knows best~
Let's also look at other measures in Chicago's admissions overhaul:
- Full tuition scholarships for students from families earning less than $125,000 per year. For 2018–19, Chicago’s full tuition is $70,000 per year;
- For students with parental income below $60,000, not only is tuition free, but room, board, and fees are covered;
- First-generation college students receive a $20,000 scholarship and a paid internship in their first summer;
- Nationwide, children of police officers and firefighters are eligible for free tuition. Previously, this benefit was limited to Chicago;
- Applicants can self-submit transcripts without going through their high school, eliminating extra processing fees;
The new policies are designed to make it easier for low-income families, first-generation college students, and students from rural areas to apply to Chicago, along with providing financial aid. Dropping the SAT/ACT requirement is a derivative or a means of achieving this broader policy. The university believes that registering for and preparing for the SAT incurs significant costs that many low-income families cannot afford, so in the interest of fairness, it introduced the test-optional policy.
What does this mean for Chinese students?
For Chinese students, although they are relieved from the hassle of the SAT/ACT, and the application process may seem easier, for many Asian students who lacked an English academic environment growing up, the preparation for the SAT/ACT itself provides a certain foundation for college-level work. Moreover, outstanding test scores undoubtedly add luster to any application.
As SAT and ACT scores become less emphasized by U.S. universities, for Chinese students, it’s like losing an extra advantage, adding a great deal of uncertainty to the process. Removing the test requirement does not mean academic standards are lowered; rather, universities hope students can more freely showcase their strengths. Without the safety net of scores, we must rely on high school grades, essays, extracurricular activities, and other aspects to present ourselves—areas that are not yet most students’ strong suit.
Application trends
The University of Chicago encourages you to submit more information that demonstrates your academic potential; applicants can use modern technology to create a two-minute self-introduction video. More and more universities are using this method to review candidates. A multi-faceted, richly expressed video that reflects your unique style can better capture an institution’s attention.
