The SAT is Back! Implications for Athletic Recruiting

In the world of college athletics, the intersection of academic achievement and athletic prowess has long been a topic of heated discussion and policy evolution. Historically, the NCAA utilized a sliding scale for academic eligibility that balanced a student's GPA with their standardized test scores, such as the ACT or SAT. This system allowed students with higher GPAs some leeway on their test scores and vice versa. However, the onset of the global pandemic prompted a temporary suspension of this test score requirement, culminating in the NCAA's decision in January 2023 to completely eliminate standardized test scores from considerations of initial eligibility.

The Changing Landscape

Recent weeks have seen a significant shift in the academic world, with Ivy League institutions like Brown, Dartmouth, and Yale announcing the reinstatement of standardized testing requirements for their undergraduate admissions processes. 

Brown Testing Announcement: https://www.brown.edu/news/2024-03-05/admissions 

Yale Testing Announcement: https://admissions.yale.edu/standardized-testing 

Dartmouth Testing Announcement: https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/apply/update-testing-policy 

While the majority of colleges remain test-optional, this move by such prestigious schools signals a potential widespread return to testing in the near future. The uncertainty surrounding many schools' policies on this matter makes it prudent for prospective college athletes to prepare for a broader reinstatement of these requirements.

Impact on Athletic Recruiting

For student-athletes navigating the college recruiting landscape, understanding these changes is crucial. Casting a wide net is a common strategy, as it only takes a single coach's interest to secure a place in college athletics. However, the resurgence of testing requirements means that an SAT or ACT score could become a gatekeeper for many aspiring athletes. As institutions increasingly reincorporate test scores into their admissions criteria, coaches, too, will have to require these scores from their recruits. Therefore, my advice to student-athletes is clear: take these tests and take them seriously.

Positive Implications

Yet, it's not all daunting. The reintroduction of standardized testing into the college admissions process can be an opportunity for athletes to distinguish themselves in a crowded field. In the competitive arena of college recruiting, where many athletes share similar profiles, attend similar showcases/tournaments, send similar emails, and play for similar programs, standout achievements like high test scores can be a game-changer. High academic performers, especially those aiming for highly academic institutions, can leverage their test scores alongside their athletic highlights to capture the attention of recruiters. Posting that big SAT score number on social media alongside video highlights will make a potent combination for catching the eye of coaches at academically rigorous schools.

Conclusion

As the landscape of college admissions and athletic recruiting continues to evolve, staying informed and adaptable is key for aspiring college athletes. The return of standardized testing requirements poses both a challenge and an opportunity. By embracing this aspect of the admissions process, student-athletes can not only ensure their eligibility but also use it as a tool to stand out from the competition. In the high-stakes game of college recruiting, it's clear that the test scores are back in play, and they're more important than ever.