Columbia University has reinstated SAT and ACT score requirements for applicants, reversing a 2020 policy enacted during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a June 2026 statement. The decision follows a multi-year faculty review emphasizing academic standards and equity, though critics highlight its potential impact on student mental health and access to higher education.
Why the Policy Shift Matters to Students and Educators
The reinstatement of standardized testing requirements reflects a broader national debate over the role of college admissions metrics. A 2023 report by the National Center for Education Statistics found that 68% of U.S. colleges had adopted test-optional policies during the pandemic, but many institutions, including Columbia, are now reevaluating their approaches. The move has sparked concerns about exacerbating disparities, as students from under-resourced schools often face greater challenges in navigating standardized testing, according to the American Psychological Association (APA).
In Plain English: The Clinical Takeaway
- Standardized tests like the SAT/ACT are being reinstated at Columbia after being suspended during the pandemic, citing academic integrity and equity concerns.
- Research links high-stakes testing to increased anxiety and stress, particularly among marginalized student groups.
- The policy shift may affect access to higher education for students lacking test-preparation resources.
How the Pandemic Reshaped Admissions Policies
The 2020 suspension of SAT/ACT requirements was part of a broader trend as colleges gr
