University of Wisconsin System to Permanently End SAT/ACT Admissions Requirements

Milwaukee, WI, September 20, 2026 — The University of Wisconsin System has announced it is moving forward with plans to permanently eliminate standardized test score requirements, such as the SAT and ACT, for student admissions. This policy change is set to apply across all campuses within the UW System.

Previously, many institutions within the University of Wisconsin System had already suspended or made SAT and ACT scores optional for applicants, particularly in response to disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The current move signifies a permanent shift away from these traditional metrics as a mandatory component of the admissions process.

The specific details regarding the timeline for this permanent discontinuation and the exact criteria that will replace standardized test scores in the admissions evaluation were not immediately provided. While the system has indicated a clear intention to end the requirement, further information is expected regarding the implementation phase and the comprehensive nature of the revised admissions framework.

The decision to permanently remove standardized test requirements for admissions reflects a broader trend observed in higher education, where institutions are re-evaluating their selection criteria to foster more equitable and holistic review processes. The long-term impact on applicant pools and enrollment demographics across the University of Wisconsin System remains to be seen as the new policy is rolled out.

Further details on the implementation of this policy, including the effective date and any associated changes to application procedures, are anticipated from the University of Wisconsin System administration.

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