Board of Regents Reverses Standardized Test Scores for University Applicants

More Georgia colleges are set to require standardized test scores for all new applicants, reversing a policy put in place in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a report by the Georgia Recorder.

Starting in the fall 2026 semester, hopeful students at major universities across the state will need to provide SAT or ACT scores on their applications under rule changes unanimously approved by the Georgia Board of Regents last week.

Other University System of Georgia schools can choose to implement testing requirements based on high school GPA.

Until then, only those looking to enroll at UGA, Tech or GCSU will need to submit test scores.

Board of Regents Chair Harold Reynolds said Board’s motivation is to do what’s best for the student and the system.

The regents began waiving test scores in early 2020 after shelter-in-place orders canceled testing appointments for kids around the country.

Except for part of 2022, the waiver has been in place ever since.

The regents most recently extended it at their April meeting.

The new ruling will apply to high school students intending to apply at one of the following universities:

Augusta University, The University of Georgia, The Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia College and State University, Georgia State University, Georgia Southern University and Kennesaw State University.