More colleges turning to ACT and SAT scores in admission decisions, and AI may be to blame

More colleges are again requiring or favoring entrance exam scores as schools question essays and grades in the age of artificial intelligence.

During the pandemic, colleges across the country dropped ACT and SAT scores from admissions policies. Local tutors and national test prep leaders told 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS that more schools are now bringing tests back or favoring applicants who submit scores.

“The world went test optional, and what we’ve seen since that time is a gradual return toward more interest in testing,” Ron Michalak of Flying Colors Tutoring said.

Why now?

The shift is tied in part to artificial intelligence. Multiple studies show test scores are the strongest predictor of college performance, while essays have become less reliable since AI.

“Those supplemental essays are starting to fall away. We saw Tulane, University of Georgia, UNC Chapel Hill al...