In a time when most colleges are still debating the role of standardized tests, the University of Austin is making a move that’s turning heads. The Texas-based school has launched what it calls a “merit-first admissions” policy—and it’s about as straightforward as it gets. If you hit a high enough score on one of several major tests, you’re in. No essays. No extracurriculars. No GPA required.
Yes, you read that right. If a student scores at least 1460 on the SAT, 33 on the ACT, or 105 on the CLT (that’s the Classical Learning Test, for those unfamiliar), they’ll get automatic admission. And if they push their scores even higher—think over 1550 on the SAT or 35+ on the ACT—they could land a full-tuition scholarship worth up to $100,000.
Why the change? The school says the system is broken
The University of Austin isn’t being shy about its reasons for the change. In fact, it’s calling out the whole college admissions process across the country. In its public statement, the school didn’t hold back: “College admissions are biased, broken, and unjust.”
The university argues that the current system rewards what it calls “manipulation, not merit.” Their point? Too many students spend their high school years building hollow résumés, hiring tutors to write essays, or stressing over whether their personal background checks the right diversity boxes. In their view, real academic ability and intellectual curiosity often get lost in the noise.
“We care about two things: intelligence and courage,” the school stated. A dramatic claim, sure—but one that’s catching attention far beyond Texas.
What’s required—and what’s not
Here’s what this new policy means in practice. Students who meet the minimum score requirement don’t have to write a personal essay. They don’t have to list clubs, sports, or volunteer hours. They simply need to submit their official test results and either a high school transcript or GED certificate.
Students who fall short of the automatic threshold aren’t out of luck. They can still apply through the traditional admissions process. But even then, scores matter—a lot. Applicants will be judged based on their standardized test scores, along with things like Advanced Placement (AP) scores of 4 or 5, International Baccalaureate (IB) scores between 5 and 7, or SAT Subject Tests over 700.
Other schools are going back to testing too
It’s not just Austin. Around the country, there’s a growing movement to bring back standardized testing requirements. Schools like Dartmouth, MIT, Johns Hopkins, and the University of Miami have all reversed their test-optional policies in recent months.
For some, it’s about fairness. Standardized tests, while far from perfect, offer one consistent measure across students from vastly different schools, towns, and economic backgrounds. Others argue it’s about academic rigor—believing that high test scores better predict college success than a polished application packet.
Still, not everyone agrees. Critics say this kind of policy overlooks important parts of a student’s story, from personal resilience to creativity and leadership. The debate, as you can imagine, is far from over.
Freedom to think: what the University of Austin stands for
If you’re unfamiliar with the University of Austin, it’s a relatively new institution that markets itself as a haven for free thought. According to its website, it’s a place where students and faculty can explore ideas—even controversial ones—without fear of being silenced or punished.
One of its most talked-about programs is something called “Forbidden Courses.” The idea? Bring students together to talk—openly—about hot-button topics like gender ideology, cancel culture, or the future of democracy. In a world where many classrooms avoid these discussions altogether, the University of Austin wants to dive right in.
“Our students will learn the foundations, blessings, and challenges of a free and prosperous society,” said Jacob Howland, the university’s Provost and Dean of Intellectual Foundations. He also emphasized the school’s focus on understanding and appreciating American democratic values—a message that resonates with many, and frustrates others.
Merit or message? What this means for students
This new policy from the University of Austin may sound like a throwback to an older era of admissions, but it’s also a pretty radical break from what’s become the norm. In most schools today, especially elite ones, test scores have taken a back seat to what admissions officers call “holistic review.” That means looking at the whole student—grades, extracurriculars, essays, life story. Austin’s move flips that on its head.
For students who are great test takers but not great storytellers, this could be a dream come true. No more worrying about how many clubs you joined or how impressive your summer internship sounds. Just show up, take the test, and let the numbers do the talking.
But for others, it may feel limiting. What if you’re brilliant but struggle with test anxiety? What if you shine in a classroom discussion but not on multiple-choice questions? The policy leaves little room for that kind of nuance.
A growing call for academic clarity
At the heart of this story is a growing demand for transparency in college admissions. Many families feel lost in the current system—unsure of what really matters, or whether the process is fair. The University of Austin is making a bold statement: merit should matter most, and merit can be measured.
Whether you agree with the policy or not, one thing is clear—it’s a conversation worth having. As more schools rethink what it means to earn a place on campus, students and parents alike are watching closely.
And hey, maybe your SAT score means more than you thought.
