D22 attended a GT virtual info session yesterday and was surprised to hear the above. Does anyone know the rationale for this? I know that it is a system-wide requirement (applicable to all Georgia public universities) and, on the GT website, the administration acknowledged that some students may not have been able to take any standardized tests since the start of the pandemic (but, nonetheless, it is still required to apply).
GT isn’t the only school that went back to requiring tests. FL schools required them all along. Purdue says they are test flexible only if a student didn’t have an opportunity to take the test.
That said, plenty of schools are still TO. You may need to adjust your list.
All Georgia public colleges are requiring test scores for class of 2022, I assume because students have access to tests again.
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Makes perfect sense. I would expect to see more of this across the board. Schools had no choice but to relax these requirements during a time when it was almost impossible for applicants to take the tests, through no fault of their own. There is no reason for a top institution to make it easier for applicants to get in. GT is swamped with so many applications already.
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GT is the only school on D22’s list of potential colleges to require standardized tests for the upcoming application cycle. Yes, she will be adjusting her list - she managed to squeeze in an SAT test last fall but will not be applying to GT because, after two info sessions, there was nothing that resonated strongly with her.
What’s interesting is the following from GT website:
COVID-19 Impact
We understand that access to testing differs by region. While we are unable to consider your application without a test score, we do want to assure you of a few things:
- Testing is only one part of our application review, and we place much higher value on your course choice, performance, and involvement and impact outside the classroom than on test scores.
- Testing once is enough! Pre-pandemic, we would recommend you test more than once, but we understand that many of the colleges you are likely considering will not be requiring tests this year. We do not want the testing requirement to be overly burdensome.The bottom line: your test score will not be the deciding factor in your admission decision. Put your time and effort this year into studying for your classes, investing your time in your school and community, and positively influencing your family and friends, rather concerning yourself with test preparation or test logistics. Self-reporting scores on your application or after submission via your Admission Portal is encouraged.
Looks to me like GT’s administration might not be in full agreement with the governing board.
Rick Clark, Director of Admission at GT, has directly stated that. Unfortunately it’s not relevant whether or not GT admin agrees with the policy. The same is true with some Florida system administrators…where those publics didn’t even go TO for Class of 2021.
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State schools have to follow state laws because that’s where they get their money. California schools require the A-G courses, even if a particular school may not care that a student has taken an art course. It’s the law.
Colorado just passed a law that schools no longer have to require the ACT/SAT tests. FL required the scores even last year. FL also requires students who take AP classes to take the tests, and pays for them so there is no excuse not to take them. Some schools require scores for merit aid.
You’ve decided against GTech. Don’t worry about it.
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Just went to a GT info session on campus. The admission representative said students should only take the test one time. She also mentioned that there are baseline scores… although she did not know what those scores were for the application. My assumption is there is a minimum score that is required although not stated. Does anyone know what that might be for the ACT or SAT?
I am not sure GT has communicated mid-50% test score ranges for class of 2025 admits or matriculants…but I am certain the admissions department knows this info!
Class of 2024 matriculant SAT mid-50% range was 1380-1520 and ACT 31-35. Common Data Set | Institutional Research & Planning