The University of Wisconsin Board of Regents voted to extend the system’s test-optional admissions process, which began during the coronavirus pandemic.
The process will allow students to choose if they would like to submit their scores for standardized tests, like the ACT or SAT, when applying to universities.
If a student opts out of disclosing the information, the choice does not impact their admissions decision.
“The University of Wisconsin–Madison received authorization from the University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents to waive the requirement for applicants to submit an ACT or SAT test score as a part of their application to the university through the spring 2025 term. Including scores from either the ACT or the SAT with your application is optional and you will not be disadvantaged in our evaluation process if you choose to not include these scores for consideration in your application. You can indicate your choice regarding including test scores at the time of application,” reads UW-Madison’s website.
In order to supplement the testing scores, the schools will undergo a holistic measure which examines “a student’s grades, the courses they have taken, and the rigor of those courses.”
However, some argue the provisions are needed to ensure students who fell behind during the coronavirus pandemic are prepared for college courses.
“During the pandemic, students of every age have fallen woefully behind. Remedial class attendance numbers have been growing for years because high school students are unprepared for college as it is. Removing ACT/SAT requirements only exacerbates this,” said Assembly Speaker Robin Vos (R-Rochester).
“Only one-third of Wisconsin students are proficient – operating at grade level – in math and English language arts, 64% of Wisconsin students are not proficient in reading, with 34% of Wisconsin students are not even meeting a basic reading level.”
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Cooper Moran is a reporter for The Star News Network. Follow Cooper on Twitter. Email tips to [email protected].
