UT Austin to Reinstate Standardized Test Requirement The University of Texas at Austin has announced it will once again require SAT or ACT scores for admissions, joining a growing number of selective universities reverting to pre-pandemic admission policies. The decision comes after a period of test-optional admissions, with the university citing the need for better placement of admitted students and support for those requiring extra help. The move is part of a broader trend among colleges, including Brown, Yale, and Dartmouth, to reinstate standardized test requirements. UT Austin's decision is based on data showing that students who submitted test scores performed better academically, particularly in more rigorous programs. The university's holistic admissions process, which includes the use of test scores, aims to improve graduation rates and support student success.