Research finds that dropping SAT and ACT requirements may improve access, but may also hinder college admissions

Dropping standardized testing requirements may make college admission more accessible for some, but it can also make it harder for universities to identify high-potential students, according to new research published in Management Science. The research suggests the decision involves nuanced trade-offs between the informational value of test scores and barriers to access. Moreover, the study shows that dropping the testing requirement can move diversity and academic merit in the same direction: It is possible to improve both or worsen both at once.