Harvard Test-Required Again in Major 180°!
TLDRHarvard University has announced a significant policy reversal, making SAT or ACT scores required for first-year applicants starting in August 2024, despite previous commitments to keep testing optional. This decision aligns Harvard with other Ivy League institutions such as Dartmouth, Brown, and Yale, which have also reinstated testing requirements for the 2024-2025 admission cycle. However, Harvard has also introduced provisions for exceptional circumstances, allowing students to submit AP, IB, or national exam scores instead. The decision reflects a complex approach to admissions, considering test scores in the context of an applicant's background and environment, rather than a uniform standard.
Takeaways
- 📢 Harvard has announced that for the 2024-2025 admission cycle, SAT or ACT scores will be required for first-year applicants.
- 🔄 This decision marks a significant reversal from Harvard's previous commitment to remain test-optional for at least two more admission cycles.
- 🏫 Other Ivy League schools, including Dartmouth, Brown, and Yale, have also reinstated test requirements for the same admission cycle.
- 📌 However, Princeton, Columbia, and Cornell remain test-optional, with Columbia having previously declared a permanent test-optional policy.
- 🤔 The change in policy at Harvard and other schools raises questions about the role of standardized tests in college admissions and their impact on student demographics.
- 🌐 Harvard's official statement suggests that SAT and ACT scores will be considered in the context of a student's environment and background, indicating a move towards equitable admissions.
- 💡 Students facing exceptional circumstances that prevent them from taking the SAT or ACT can submit AP, IB, or national testing scores as alternatives.
- 🌍 International students have additional options, such as the Duolingo English Test and TOEFL, though these are not direct substitutes for the SAT or ACT.
- 📈 The SAT and ACT scores are still considered valuable by selective colleges as they are among the least manipulable elements of a student's application.
- 🎯 Despite the return to test requirements by some schools, the concept of meritocracy in college admissions remains subjective and varies by institution.
- 🚀 Students and counselors should stay informed about admission policies as they can change with new leadership or external pressures.
Q & A
What was the major announcement from Harvard regarding its admission process for the 2024-2025 cycle?
-Harvard announced that it will require SAT or ACT scores from first-year applicants for the 2024-2025 admission cycle, reversing its previous policy of being test-optional.
What other Ivy League schools have returned to being test-required for the 2024-2025 admission cycle?
-Dartmouth, Brown, and Yale have also returned to being test-required for the 2024-2025 admission cycle.
What are the conditions under which a student can apply to Harvard without submitting SAT or ACT scores during the 2024-2025 admission cycle?
-A student can apply without SAT or ACT scores if they are from an isolated part of the world or unable to sit for the tests. Instead, they can submit AP scores, IB scores and predictions, or national testing like A-levels.
How does Harvard plan to consider SAT or ACT scores in the context of a student's background and environment?
-Harvard intends to review SAT and ACT scores with consideration for the applicant's environment and background, meaning that expectations may vary based on factors such as the applicant's school performance, community, and socio-economic status.
What is the significance of the change in Harvard's admission policy?
-The change signifies a shift back to valuing standardized test scores as part of the admission process, which some argue is a more objective measure of academic ability and helps ensure a merit-based selection of students.
What are the implications of Harvard's decision for other Ivy League schools that are currently test-optional?
-Harvard's decision could influence other Ivy League schools to reconsider their test-optional policies, as it demonstrates a trend towards re-emphasizing standardized test scores in the admission process.
How does Harvard's policy align with the concept of 'equitable admissions'?
-Equitable admissions involve considering the appropriate demographic background of the student population and working backwards to achieve it. Harvard's policy of considering SAT and ACT scores in the context of the applicant's background aligns with this approach.
What other components of the application process does the video mention as being important?
-The video mentions essays, interviews, letters of recommendation, and resumes as other important components of the application process that students should aim to make as strong as possible.
What is the role of the counseling community in the context of the changes in Harvard's admission policy?
-The counseling community has been critical of Harvard's previous test-optional policy, arguing that it obscured the truth about the value of standardized tests in the admission process. The change in policy may be seen as a response to this criticism.
How does the term 'standardized' relate to the SAT and ACT in the current admission context?
-The term 'standardized' has evolved to mean less of a uniform standard across all test-takers. Harvard's decision to consider SAT and ACT scores in the context of each applicant's background indicates a move away from a one-size-fits-all approach to these scores.
What advice does the speaker give to students and families regarding the selective college admissions process?
-The speaker advises students and families to stay informed about changing policies and procedures, to strive for excellence in all aspects of their applications, and to consider seeking one-on-one college admissions coaching to navigate the complex process effectively.
Outlines
📚 Harvard's SAT Policy Reversal
The video discusses the recent announcement from Harvard University that it will require SAT or ACT scores for the 2024-2025 admission cycle, a reversal from its previous policy of being test-optional. Craig, the admissions coach, provides context by mentioning that other Ivy League schools, such as Dartmouth, Brown, and Yale, have also reinstated testing requirements. However, Harvard has provided exceptions for students unable to take the SAT or ACT, allowing them to submit AP, IB, or national testing scores instead. The video highlights the complexity of the admissions process and the various factors that schools consider when evaluating applicants.
🤔 SAT and ACT Scores as Meritocracy Indicators
This paragraph delves into the debate over the role of SAT and ACT scores in the college admissions process. Craig argues that these standardized tests are among the least susceptible to manipulation by wealth or privilege, making them a fair indicator of academic ability. He also discusses Harvard's commitment to considering test scores in the context of a student's background and environment, suggesting that the university aims to promote diversity and equity in its admissions. The video touches on the tension between maintaining high academic standards and ensuring a representative student body, highlighting the challenges faced by elite institutions like Harvard.
🎓 Navigating the Selective College Admissions Landscape
In the final paragraph, Craig emphasizes the unpredictable nature of college admissions policies, especially in light of Harvard's recent policy change. He notes that while Harvard, Dartmouth, Brown, and Yale now require SAT or ACT scores, other Ivy League schools remain test-optional or test-free. Craig advises students to prepare robust applications, including strong essays, interviews, and letters of recommendation, to improve their chances of admission. He also encourages viewers to seek guidance and support throughout the process, offering his services as a college admissions coach and inviting them to visit his website for more information.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Harvard
💡SAT
💡ACT
💡Test-Optional
💡Admission Cycle
💡Ivy League
💡Meritocracy
💡Equitable Admissions
💡Holistic Review
💡Standardized Testing
💡College Admissions Coach
Highlights
Harvard has reversed its policy and is now requiring SAT or ACT scores for first-year applicants starting in August 2024.
Harvard's decision affects the 2024-2025 admission cycle for fall 2025 entry.
Dartmouth, Brown, and Yale have also reinstated test requirements for the 2024-2025 admission cycle.
Penn, Princeton, Columbia, and Cornell remain test-optional for the 2024-2025 admission cycle.
Harvard's previous commitment to remain test-optional for at least two more admission cycles was made under its former regime.
The SAT and ACT scores are considered the least gameable part of the first-year application process.
Students unable to take the SAT or ACT can submit AP, IB, or national testing scores as alternatives.
Dualingo English Test and TOEFL are not acceptable substitutes for the SAT or ACT.
Harvard's decision contradicts its previous stance, which was to remain test-optional for several years.
Harvard's official statement on the change in policy is available in the video description.
Harvard will consider test scores in the context of the applicant's environment and background.
The SAT and ACT are no longer considered standardized in Harvard's admissions process.
Harvard's admissions process is based on equitable admissions, aiming for a diverse student population.
Harvard's policy change may be influenced by recent negative press and internal pressures.
The term 'holistic' may no longer be used by Harvard, but equitable admissions practices continue.
The SAT and ACT scores' impact on admissions varies depending on the applicant's overall profile.
Harvard's policy shift highlights the fluid nature of admissions standards in the Ivy League.
Despite the return to test requirements, the concept of meritocracy remains a contentious issue in college admissions.
The Ivy League's mixed approach to test requirements reflects the complexity of the admissions process.
Applicants should continue to focus on all aspects of their application, including essays, interviews, and recommendations.
The video provides insights into the evolving landscape of selective college admissions in the United States.
