This week in college admissions, the SAT turns 100, Columbia University becomes the last Ivy to drop test-optional admissions, University of Michigan will retain its binding early admission option, and dramatic changes will impact student loans starting July 1st.
This month marks the 100th anniversary of the SAT, which was initially devised to diversify admissions to the country’s most elite colleges. Although the SAT has been subject to accusations of inherent bias, many educators claim that it is still a strong predictor of how students will perform in college.
Starting with the 2027-28 school year, Columbia University will require either SAT or ACT scores as part of its admissions review. This decision makes Columbia the last Ivy to retire its test-optional policy and is a reversal of Columbia’s announcement three years ago that it would suspend admissions tests “indefinitely.”
High school seniors applying to the University of Michigan next year will have the option for binding early admission. The University will keep its policy, overriding the concerns of the University Senate, which voted to suspend the practice, pending a full review of how the policy aligns with university values.
Dramatic changes are coming to the federal student loan program, starting July 1st. For loans taken out between July 1, 2026 and June 30, 2027, rates will increase from 6.39 percent to 6.52 percent. Additionally, parents will face restrictions on how much they can borrow on behalf of their children, although families who are currently repaying loans may be eligible for a rate reduction if they sign up for an auto-payment plan.
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