• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Universities.com

Universities.com

Subscribe Subscribe
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube
  • Careers
    Psychology Clinical Psychology Degree Master in Forensic Psychology Child Psychology Degree Speech Therapy Degree
    Marketing Marketing Degree: Is It Worth It? Digital Marketing Degree Business Marketing Degree Is Marketing a Good Major?
    Criminal Justice Best Forensic Science Universities Criminal Justice Degree Criminology Degree Online Criminal Justice Degree Homeland Security Degree Law Enforcement Degree Forensic Science Degree: Is It Worth It?
    Trade Schools How to Become an Electrician HVAC Certification How to Become a Plumber Electrician Trade School What is a Trade School?
  • Best Universities
    Best Bachelors Universities Legal and Law Art and Design Trades and Careers Human and Social Sciences
  • Rankings
    Best Universities by Major Agriculture Majors Business Majors Computer Technology Majors Education Majors
    Best Universites by State Florida Texas California New York
  • Learn
    10 States with Massive Teacher Shortages 10 Things to Do Your First Week of College Does College Prepare Students for Jobs? How To Become an English Teacher

University of Tennessee Discontinues Test-Optional Applications

May 13, 2022 by Amy Blitchok

college students taking test

In response to the pandemic, many colleges and universities across the country stopped requiring ACT and/or SAT scores as part of the application process. As campus life continues to return to normal, schools are being faced with deciding whether to continue this practice or reinstate the test score requirement. 

The University of Tennessee at Knoxville initially announced that submitting test scores would be optional for at least the next five years, but just a year later, the university is changing course.

The pilot program began in July of 2020, and the plan was to continue to gather information and assess the program each year. Over the past two years, the data has shown that the program was providing the university with a range of benefits. However, they just announced that test scores would once again be required starting with applicants for the 2023 fall semester. 

So what exactly happened?

In February, all four of the state’s undergraduate institutions presented the Board of Trustees with a report on the pilot program. According to the reports, three campuses stated that an applicant’s GPA was more helpful in predicting retention and graduation than a standardized test score. In addition, the Knoxville campus received a record number of applications and saw a significant increase in students of color. All this makes it even more interesting that the university has decided to reinstate the old policy.  

The university hasn’t commented on the reversal. However, David A. Hawkins, chief education and policy officer for the National Association for College Admission Counseling wrote “The unfortunate consequence of such an abrupt pivot is that the institution’s admission office, faculty, and administration, as well as future prospective students, will not have the benefit of an extended analysis of test-optional admission and outcomes, such as improved access and student success at the university.”  

Proponents of test-optional application processes argue that there is no real evidence that the tests can accurately predict a student’s performance at college. At the same time, the ACT has stated its support for the University of Tennessee and maintains that the test is “an objective measure of postsecondary readiness.”

Ending the test-optional program shows that there is still some deeply seeded resistance to even temporarily changing this aspect of the application process data collection.

Amy Blitchok
+ posts

Amy Blitchok is a professional writer based in Raleigh, NC. She covers topics that range from health and technology to marketing and sales. As a former English lecturer, she has a personal connection to academia and the topic of educaiton. When she isn’t writing or reading, she is taking care of her menagerie of pets and foster animals.

  • Amy Blitchok
    https://www.universities.com/learn/author/ablitchok/
    OSU Addresses Fake Adderall Overdoses on Campus
  • Amy Blitchok
    https://www.universities.com/learn/author/ablitchok/
    Graduation Ceremonies Super-Sized For 2022
  • Amy Blitchok
    https://www.universities.com/learn/author/ablitchok/
    Stress Causing More Students To Consider Dropping Out
  • Amy Blitchok
    https://www.universities.com/learn/author/ablitchok/
    40,000 Student Loan Borrowers To Have Debt Canceled

Filed Under: Articles

Related Popular Posts

  • 5 College Essay Tips to Nail Your Application Essay

    5 College Essay Tips to Nail Your Application Essay

  • Thinking About Grad School? Read This First!

    Thinking About Grad School? Read This First!

  • How I Became a Non-Commissioned Officer at the Pentagon

    How I Became a Non-Commissioned Officer at the Pentagon

Primary Sidebar

Blog Search

Categories

Find Online Schools
Sponsored Content
Universities.com

Established in 1996, Universities.com is the trusted source used by millions of people to make informed decisions about their education. If you’re thinking about a college, university or advancing your degree, then you’re in the right place.

Resources
  • Search Colleges
  • Blog
  • About Us
  • Ranking Methodology
Financial Aid
  • Search Scholarships
  • Ultimate Scholarship Guide
  • Scholarship Advice
  • 13 Best Scholarships for Women
Support
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Cookie Settings
  • Do Not Sell My Personal Information
© 1996-2021 Universities.com. All rights reserved.