Columbia University to Drop SAT, ACT Scores From UG Admission Criteria; Check Details Here

New Delhi: Columbia University has declared that it will no longer require SAT, ACT scores for admission to its UG Courses. This has made it the first Ivy League University to adopt this policy as a effect of the pandemic era. 

The decision was “rooted in the belief that students are dynamic, multi-faceted individuals who cannot be defined by any single factor,” read Columbia University website.

“Our review is purposeful and nuanced — respecting varied backgrounds, voices and experiences — in order to best determine an applicant’s suitability for admission and ability to thrive in our curriculum and our community, and to advance access to our educational opportunities.”

This change in eligibility criteria has resulted in the number of admitted students of colour increasing by 4% and first-generation college students increased by 3% from the year prior.

The public college and university system in California was among the first to permanently remove the SAT and ACT from consideration. Various other institutes from across the country are still considering entrance exam scores for admission though some have implemented temporary policies. 

According to experts, tests like SAT and ACT become of a disadvantage to students without the access to proper tutoring or practice sessions. 

Columbia university has said that students who do not submit SAT, ACT scores will not be at a disadvantage against those who do. 

“Applicants will not have an advantage in the admissions process simply by submitting ACT or SAT results. The submission of test results will be viewed only as one additional piece of information among the many factors that we will consider in our continued practice of a holistic and contextual review process,” administrators wrote.

“Our announcement ... will provide more transparency for applicants and clarity on our admissions policies moving forward,” a university official told the Daily News. “It will give applicants more agency in deciding how to best represent themselves through their application.

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