Imagine sending your kid off to college, full of excitement about their future, only to learn later that they’re struggling with math problems most ninth-graders breeze through. That’s not some nightmare scenario—it’s becoming a harsh reality at some top universities these days. What started as a temporary shift during tough times has turned into a wake-up call about how we pick who gets into higher education.
The Big Shift Away From Standardized Tests
A few years back, when everything felt upside down, many schools decided to pause requiring SAT or ACT scores for admissions. It made sense at the moment—testing centers were closed, kids were stressed. But what began as a short-term fix quickly snowballed. Soon, the vast majority of colleges across the country went “test-optional,” meaning students could choose whether to submit scores or not.
In my view, this felt like a genuine attempt to level the playing field. No one wanted the disruptions to unfairly block deserving students. Yet, looking back, it’s clear this change opened the door to bigger issues that no one fully anticipated.
What the Latest Data Reveals
Recent reports from one major public university paint a pretty stark picture. They’ve seen a dramatic drop in the basic skills of incoming freshmen, especially in math. We’re talking about a massive increase in students who aren’t ready for college-level work—some by a factor of thirty compared to just five years ago.
Perhaps the most eye-opening part? A significant portion of these students test below middle school proficiency. One simple example that came up: a quarter of them couldn’t correctly fill in the blank for 7 + 2 = [ ] + 6. That’s basic arithmetic my own elementary schooler handles without thinking twice.
Admitting large numbers of students who are profoundly underprepared risks harming the very students we hope to support, by setting them up for failure.
– University report findings
And it’s not limited to numbers. Writing skills have taken a hit too, with many needing extra help just to keep up in introductory courses. This isn’t about shaming anyone—it’s about recognizing that pushing students into environments they’re not equipped for does more harm than good in the long run.
Why High School Grades Aren’t Enough
People often point to grade point averages as a fairer measure. After all, they reflect years of effort, right? But here’s the thing: research has long shown that high school GPAs can be inconsistent predictors of college success. Factors like grade inflation, varying school standards, and even teacher subjectivity play huge roles.
Standardized tests, on the other hand, offer a more uniform benchmark. They level out differences between schools and give a clearer snapshot of core abilities. Dropping them removed one of the few objective tools admissions teams had.
- GPAs vary widely by school and region
- Some classes reward participation over mastery
- Inflation has made straight A’s more common
- Tests provide comparable data across applicants
I’ve always thought there’s value in multiple measures, but relying heavily on one that’s increasingly unreliable feels risky.
The Role of Politics and Ideology
Let’s be honest—higher education leans toward certain viewpoints, and standardized testing had fallen out of favor in those circles. Some argued the exams caused unnecessary anxiety. Others claimed they carried built-in biases that disadvantaged specific groups.
There was also this idea that scrapping tests would boost diversity. In theory, it sounds noble. But in practice, it sometimes masked other priorities. Making admissions more subjective gave schools flexibility, perhaps too much, in who they selected.
Interestingly, the timing overlapped with heightened focus on equity initiatives. Coincidence? Maybe not entirely. The push away from objective metrics aligned with broader cultural shifts happening on campuses.
Financial Pressures Can’t Be Ignored
Colleges aren’t immune to market forces. Enrollment has been sliding for years—fewer high school graduates, skyrocketing costs, questions about degree value. Then came extended school closures, which widened learning gaps even more.
Facing what experts call an “enrollment cliff,” institutions needed bodies in seats to keep budgets afloat. Lowering the bar by going test-optional helped attract more applicants. Suddenly, the pool looked deeper, even if the preparation wasn’t there.
It’s a tough spot, no doubt. But short-term fixes can create long-term headaches, like higher dropout rates or diluted academic reputation.
The Human Cost of Lower Standards
At the heart of this are the students themselves. Many arrive excited, take on heavy debt, then hit a wall academically. Needing remedial classes delays progress, drains confidence, and raises the odds of not finishing.
Think about it: if basic skills are missing, how do you tackle advanced material? It’s frustrating for everyone—learners, teachers, even peers who feel classes moving slower.
Over the past five years, we’ve experienced a steep decline in the academic preparation of entering students—particularly in mathematics, but also in writing.
– Institutional assessment
In my experience following education trends, the real disservice is admitting someone unprepared and watching them struggle, rather than guiding them toward better-fitting paths first.
Signs Some Schools Are Rethinking
Not everyone stuck with the change forever. A handful of prestigious places have already brought back testing requirements, citing better prediction of success and fairer outcomes. Others might follow as more data emerges.
This isn’t about turning back the clock entirely. Maybe there’s middle ground—using tests alongside other factors, offering support for gaps, focusing on genuine readiness.
- Acknowledge the preparation gaps exist
- Reevaluate admissions tools objectively
- Invest in bridging programs where needed
- Prioritize long-term student outcomes over short-term enrollment
Broader Lessons for Higher Education
This whole episode feels like part of a larger story about American universities. Standards have been slipping in various ways—inflated grades, easier courses, shifting priorities. Dropping tests accelerated that trend, exposing vulnerabilities we’d rather ignore.
But it’s also an opportunity. By facing these challenges head-on, schools can rebuild trust, refocus on excellence, and better serve the next generation.
Personally, I hope we learn from this. Education should open doors, not set traps. Getting admissions right matters more than ever in a world where skills truly determine opportunities.
What do you think—should more colleges reinstate testing, or is there a better way forward? The conversation is far from over.
One thing’s clear: quick fixes rarely solve deep problems. Taking time to assess readiness benefits everyone in the end.
