ACT Testing Policy in Tennessee: Effects on Test-Taking, Scores, and College Enrollment

Abstract

Several states have implemented universal college entrance exams in which all high school juniors sit for the test on a school day. In 2016, Tennessee became the first universal exam state to expand the policy to include a free universal retake for all students in fall of senior year. Using longitudinal state administrative data, this study explores the impact of this Tennessee policy on retake rates, ACT scores, and postsecondary enrollment. Results indicate that the policy has substantially increased retaking rates and narrowed income-based gaps in access to the exams. However, the policy has done little to improve overall ACT scores, and therefore, has likely not impacted trends in college enrollment by way of higher ACT scores.

Suggested Citation

Covelli, L. & Corcoran, S. (2023). ACT Testing Policy in Tennessee: Effects on Test-Taking, Scores, and College Enrollment. (Tennessee Education Research Alliance Working Paper No. 2023-02).