Texas University Reinstates Standardized Testing Requirement

Last Updated on March 15, 2024 by Robert C. Hoopes

The University of Texas at Austin, a top-ranked public university, has made the decision to reinstate the standardized testing requirement for undergraduate admissions. This policy change comes after the university temporarily suspended its test-optional policy due to limited testing availability during the COVID-19 pandemic.

President Jay Hartzell cited the goal of attracting the best and brightest students and ensuring their success as the reason for bringing back the standardized testing requirement. He emphasized that standardized tests serve as a proven differentiator among the plethora of high school GPAs and provide valuable insights into students’ academic abilities.

Research data from UT shows that students who submit standardized test scores tend to demonstrate strong academic performance and have higher graduation rates compared to those who do not. With this in mind, UT Austin joins the list of prestigious institutions like Brown University, MIT, Georgetown, and Ivy League schools in reinstating the test requirement.

Dartmouth College made headlines as the first Ivy League school to reinstate the standardized testing requirement, with Yale following suit shortly after. The trend of universities reinstating the test requirement after temporarily dropping it during the pandemic underscores the effectiveness of standardized tests in the admissions process.

UT Austin, which oversees a student population of 50,000 in Austin, Texas, believes that standardized testing can help identify students who are likely to thrive academically in college. As more universities recognize the value of standardized tests in evaluating prospective students, it remains to be seen how this policy change will impact future admissions cycles.