Hoffman Leads Initiative to Remove Standardized Test Scores from College Applications

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – To expand higher educational opportunities, state Rep. Jay Hoffman, D-Swansea, is sponsoring new legislation to remove the condition that college applicants submit scores to standardized tests like the ACT or SAT.

“Students should not be prevented from pursuing their higher education aspirations simply because of poor performance on a single test,” said Hoffman. “Standardized tests are not good indicators of academic success or achievement, so other important factors like GPA, prior academic performance and extracurricular participation should be considered when students apply to college.”

Hoffman is backing House Bill 4064, which would bar public colleges and universities from requiring applicants to submit standardized test scores, like those from the ACT or SAT. Instead, students would have the option to voluntarily submit their scores if they so choose. Currently, one in four colleges in the United States does not require standardized test scores for admittance.

“This legislation will give students a better chance of college acceptance based upon merit, help to keep Illinois students in-state and raise Illinois’ higher education status to attract out-of-state students to our schools,” continued Hoffman.