RALEIGH, N.C. (May 27, 2026) — The James G. Martin Center for Academic Renewal has released a new 50-State Comparison examining standardized testing requirements at public flagship universities across the country and offering policy recommendations for state leaders and university officials.
The report, 50-State Comparison: Standardized Testing Requirements at Public Flagship Universities, argues that standardized tests remain one of the most objective and reliable tools available for evaluating student readiness and promoting fairness in college admissions.
“Using standardized testing is the most reliable way to ensure that admissions are fair and predictive of student success,” said Jenna Robinson, author of the report and president of the Martin Center. ”Many selective private universities have reversed their Covid-era test-optional policies. It’s time for public universities to follow suit.”
The report explains that standardized tests serve two essential purposes in higher education admissions. First, they help universities identify students who may struggle academically in demanding environments. Second, they allow highly selective institutions to distinguish among large pools of otherwise qualified applicants.
This role is especially important for public flagship universities, which often receive far more applications than they can accommodate. According to the report, these institutions require dependable, objective measures to identify students most likely to succeed in rigorous academic settings.
The report also argues that transparent and merit-based admissions policies are essential for restoring public trust in higher education and ensuring equal opportunity at taxpayer-funded institutions.
Key recommendations in the report include:
- Establish Clear Admissions Criteria: Implement consistent minimum requirements, including standardized test scores and high school GPA
- Adhere to College Readiness Benchmarks: Require applicants to meet established SAT or ACT benchmarks, indicating a 75% likelihood of earning at least a ‘C’ in credit-bearing courses.
- Adopt the Classic Learning Test: Allow students to submit the Classic Learning Test as an alternative to the SAT or ACT.
To read the full report, click HERE.