Harvard Reinstates Standardized Testing Requirement for Admissions

In a significant policy reversal, Harvard University will require SAT or ACT scores for the Class of 2029, aligning with other Ivy League schools.

Harvard College announces the return of standardized testing requirements starting with the Class of 2029, ending its test-optional policy initiated during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The decision aligns Harvard with other Ivy League institutions like Yale, Dartmouth, and Brown, which have also reinstated testing requirements.
Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Hopi E. Hoekstra, highlights that standardized tests are crucial for evaluating all students fairly, regardless of background.
Critics argue that requiring standardized tests can disadvantage students from less privileged backgrounds, but recent studies suggest they are vital for predicting college success.
Harvard's policy change comes amid broader discussions on the role of standardized testing in college admissions, following the Supreme Court's decision on affirmative action.