Slaughter-Supported Law Ends University Admission Standardized Test Score Requirements

CHICAGO – To promote diversity and inclusion at Illinois colleges, state Rep. Justin Slaughter, D-Chicago, recently supported legislation that will prohibit Illinois’ public colleges and universities from requiring applicants to submit ACT and SAT test scores in the application process.

“Standardized test scores do not reflect a clear picture of a student’s academic career,” said Slaughter. “Instead, they have too often served as a barrier to entry to higher education. While some students have the means to receive test prep and an ability to take multiple tests, most do not have this advantage, particularly first-generation and low-income students.”

House Bill 226, which was recently signed into law by Gov. J.B. Pritzker after passing out of the General Assembly with strong bipartisan support, will prohibit public institutions of higher learning from requiring applicants to submit standardized test scores as part of their admission processes. In the place of test scores, college admissions committees will give more consideration to a student’s GPA, extracurriculars and letters of recommendation. This legislation aims to increase the number of students at colleges from diverse backgrounds like those from rural areas and first-generation and low-income families. If an applicant wishes to still submit a standardized test score, they will be able to do so.

“We must do all that we can to make sure that our young people are prepared for the future,” said Slaughter. “Illinois is a diverse state, it’s one of our greatest strengths, and I look forward to seeing how this change can help more residents of all backgrounds achieve a degree.”