Harvard University, Caltech to again require SAT/ACT Test Scores for Admission
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The two universities joined the latest highly selective schools which amended admission policies and decided that submitting SAT or ACT scores will not be optional.
Harvard University announced that it will reinstate standardized testing as a requirement of admission. The university joined the latest in a series of highly competitive universities to reverse their test-optional policies.
The Faculty of Arts and Sciences at Havard University announced on Thursday that students applying to Harvard College for fall 2025 admission will be required to submit standardized test scores.
"This new policy will be applied to the Class of 2029 admissions cycle and will be formally assessed at regular intervals," said the university's statement.
Edgerley Family Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences Hopi Hoekstra foregrounded “a number of factors” that underscored the decision.
Edgerley Family added, "Standardized tests are a means for all students, regardless of their background and life experience, to provide information that is predictive of success in college and beyond,” she said.
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“Indeed, when students have the option of not submitting their test scores, they may choose to withhold information that, when interpreted by the admissions committee in the context of the local norms of their school, could have potentially helped their application. In short, more information, especially such strongly predictive information, is valuable for identifying talent from across the socioeconomic range," she added.
Harvard University said that in exceptional cases in which applicants are unable to access SAT or ACT testing, other eligible tests will be accepted.
Caltech announces to restore Standardized Test Requirement for Undergraduate Admission
All students who apply to Caltech beginning in fall 2024 and would enrol in fall 2025 are required to report SAT or ACT test scores as part of their application for admission to undergraduate study.
"The Institute paused its SAT and ACT test requirement in 2020 when it implemented a moratorium in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which reduced access to standardized exams for students worldwide. The moratorium was extended in 2021, and then again in 2022. The Institute's decision ends the moratorium, which originally was set to expire in 2025," said the official statement.
"We are proud of the students we've enrolled over the last several years and confident in the steps we've taken to enhance our ability to identify students who will succeed at – and beyond – Caltech," says Provost David Tirrell.
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Q: How many US universities are still test optional for accepting SAT scores?
Q: What GPA is required for the University of South Dakota?
The University of South Dakota expects a GPA score of 2.5 from undergraduates and 3 from postgraduates on the 4-pointer scale. Along with the GPA scores, undergraduates must meet the basic eligibility and submit an ACT score of 21 or higher and an SAT score of 1070 or higher. In addition, they must submit the required documents, such as academic history, transcripts, letters of recommendation, English language scores, and more.
Q: What GPA is needed to go to Ohio State?
There is no minimum GPA score for UG admission at Ohio State. However, International students must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale or equivalent) for graduate admission. Applicants may submit a standardized test score (GRE or GMAT) if their cumulative GPA is below 3.0 for the last degree.
Q: Is it hard to get into the UTSA in San Antonio Texas?
According to various sources, University of Texas San Antonio has an overall acceptance rate of around 87% which makes it somewhat selective for international student admissions. Some of the general requirements to be considered for admission are given as follows:
- SAT/ACT scores
- Overall Student's GPA
- Letters of Recommendation
- High School Class Rank
- Additional Academic Records
Q: Is SAT exam conducted only for admission to American universities?
No, SAT exam is not only for Australia universities, in fact universities in Canada, Italy, UK, India and Singapore a few top locations where SAT scores are acceptable for UG admissions. Some universities in Australia and New Zealand also accept SAT scores from international students for admissions. Applicants applying for admissions abroad must check the requirements for SAT, aim for the SAT score accordingly and apply for admisisons.
Q: Is University of North Dakota good for Indian students?
The University of North Dakota is one of the top choices for international students to pursue their higher education. The UND warmly welcomes its international students as they have contributed a lot to the success of the university. Moreover, the university offers a top-notch environment, the best academic opportunities, technical & career training, etc. The university boasts over 1000 international students who represent more than 95 countries. Additionally, international students highly enjoy the facilities provided by the University of North Dakota. The UND is one of the largest research universities in the United States for international students.
Q: How much is the application fee for Alabama University?
The Alabama University application fee for International students vary by application type. Mentioned below are the application fee for UG and PG applications at Alabama:
- UG: USD 40 or INR 3,342.14
- MBA: USD 80 or INR 6,684.28
Q: Can I get into Oregon State with a 3.5 GPA?
International students must have at least a GPA between 2.5 and 3.0 on a scale of 4.0 for UG and PG admission at Oregon State. Therefore, candidates are eligible to get admission to the university with a 3.5 GPA in their academics. Oregon State University GPA requirements are different for undergraduate and graduate admission. Mentioned below is the range of GPA required for Oregon State University admissions:
| Program | Minimum GPA Required (on a scale of 4.0) |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate | 2.5 - 3.0 |
| Graduate | 2.5 - 3.0 |
Read about the Grading System in the USA
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While US universities have started accepting SAT scores for undergraduate admissions, after a long pause since COVID-19, there are still a few who choose to be test optional. Majority of the Ivy League schools and public universities are accepting SAT scores mandatorily. Some of the universities which are still test optional are as follows:
Applicants must check the official website and check if the university is test-optional. Despite being test-optional, universities still recommend and encourage applicants to submit their standardised test scores. Thus, until and unless it is mentioned test-optional or not mandatory for admission, applicants need not submit their SAT or ACT scores.