Earlier this year, Harvard and Georgetown universities relaxed their longstanding policies regarding the SAT subject tests.

Until now, the two schools were the last in the United States to require all students to take and submit scores for three Subject Tests. The University of Toronto is the only postsecondary institution requiring three SAT Subject Test Scores as part of a complete application for admission for all candidates.

Harvard made the announcement on its website, stating that applicants for fall 2011 may not submit two Subject Tests in mathematics, and candidates whose first language is not English should "ordinarily not use a Subject Test in their first language."

Georgetown was a little more subtle in its policy change. It is now "strongly recommended" rather than "requested" that all candidates, submit three SAT Subject Test scores. The change in language leaves open the question of what role these scores actually play in Georgetown's admissions.

According to officials at Admissions Lab, the change is significant because this is one more step in the trend of Ivy League schools backing down from requiring standardized tests. The change could signal a reduced role for standardized testing.

In addition to the Harvard and Georgetown changes, Rice and Brandeis have joined a growing number of colleges no longer requiring Subject Tests from students taking the ACT with Writing. Also, a few colleges are allowing these and other standardized tests (AP, IB) to be submitted instead of SAT and/or ACT scores.

Source Article: The Examiner