This bill mandates that the governing board of each public institution of higher education in New Jersey adopt a test-optional admissions policy, allowing students to apply without submitting standardized test scores such as the SAT or ACT. The policy is designed to alleviate the stress of college applications, particularly in light of the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted traditional education and disproportionately affected students from lower-income families. The bill also allows institutions to require standardized test scores for specific applicants, including those who received equivalent instruction outside of school for two or more years, those applying to honors or specialized programs, or those seeking certain state or federal financial aid that requires test scores.

Additionally, the bill encourages independent institutions of higher education and degree-granting proprietary institutions to adopt similar test-optional policies. It clarifies that public institutions may still consider standardized test scores for applicants who choose to submit them voluntarily. The act is set to take effect immediately and will first apply to the academic year following its enactment.