West Virginia University drops SAT, ACT admissions requirement to reduce 'stress' of college application process

West Virginia University announced on Monday that it would no longer require applicants to submit SAT and ACT exam scores to reduce the "stress" of the college application process.

WVU enacted a temporary test-optional policy during COVID, allowing potential students to submit college applications without providing exam scores. This week, the university's board of governors decided to adopt the policy permanently.

George Zimmerman, assistant vice president for Enrollment Management, told WVU Today, "WVU is a leader in providing students with new choices when it comes to college and, with this permanent test-optional move, joins the growing number of institutions nationwide that are taking this approach to college admissions."

"Students have been embracing test-optional admissions processes as part of their college searches since the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and, going forward, we have an obligation to remove any barriers that may deter those interested in higher education," he added.

The initial temporary policy was enacted before the fall 2020 semester to accommodate applicants who could not take the SAT or ACT due to testing center closures during the COVID lockdown. The university extended the policy three times "to address ongoing pandemic effects and reduce the overall stress of the college application process for students," according to WVU Today.

Zimmerman stated that the policy that provides "students the flexibility to choose whether or not standardized tests are included in their college applications has shown to be effective in helping them feel more in control of the process."

While the exam scores are not necessary for the college admission process, they are still required for some scholarships, specific programs, and course placement.

WVU joined more than 1,800 institutions nationwide that have implemented test-optional or test-free policies, according to National Center for Fair and Open Testing.

Earlier this month, the State University of New York's board of trustees unanimously voted to drop SAT and ACT exam score requirements for its four-year undergraduate programs.

"Maintaining a test-optional policy is consistent with national trends at peer institutions," SUNY Chancellor John King told the governing board.

Last month, Columbia University became the first Ivy League school to permanently eliminate standardized test requirements for undergraduate applicants.

"We have designed our application to afford the greatest possible opportunity and flexibility for students to represent themselves fully and showcase their academic talents, interests and goals. Standardized testing is not a required component of our application," Columbia University stated.

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