More colleges turning to ACT and SAT scores in admission decisions, and AI may be to blame

More colleges are again requiring or favoring entrance exam scores as schools question essays and grades in the age of artificial intelligence.

The Details

During the pandemic, colleges across the country dropped ACT and SAT scores from admissions policies. Local tutors and national test prep leaders told 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS that more schools are now bringing tests back or favoring applicants who submit scores.

“The world went test optional, and what we’ve seen since that time is a gradual return toward more interest in testing,” Ron Michalak of Flying Colors Tutoring said.

Why now?

The shift is tied in part to artificial intelligence. Multiple studies show test scores are the strongest predictor of college performance, while essays have become less reliable since AI.

“Those supplemental essays are starting to fall away. We saw Tulane, University of Georgia, UNC Chapel Hill all get rid of their supplemental essays, and Tulane cited in their announcement that AI produced responses were a big reason why,” Jim Wismer of the National Test Prep Association said.

“The other place where we’re seeing AI really impact things is in grade inflation,” Wismer said.

Scores return

The share of schools requiring entrance exam scores has gone from practically zero during the pandemic to 7% nationwide. It’s already 11% at Ivy League schools, which were the first to go back to requiring scores.

“When we look at these schools, though, they’re part of a trend of going back to requiring scores. You also have other schools going back to sort of stating their preference for test scores, even when they are test optional,” Wismer said.

Schools aren’t just weighing ACT and SAT results. More schools are also considering AP exam scores, and tutors said concerns about cultural and economic bias can be addressed through learning and repeated testing during junior and senior years.

“Colleges are using AP exam scores more than ever in the admissions process. This is probably one of the biggest changes I’ve seen in the test prep world over the last decade,” Wismer said.

“Is it perfect? No, but does it provide helpful data to the schools? I think increasingly they’re arguing that it does,” Michalak said.