Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, numerous US colleges have permanently waived SAT and ACT requirements, igniting debate on the efficacy and equity of standardized testing. Recent studies indicate their reliability in predicting success, yet debates persist amidst affirmative action restrictions. While some universities have reinstated testing, political pressures and concerns for diversity further complicate the issue. This article navigates the complex landscape of standardized testing's role in admissions, shaping the future of higher education.