A new state requirement will require all high school juniors in Minnesota to take the ACT in order to graduate from high school beginning this year.

In an effort to increase the number of graduates who apply for college, Minnesota’s high average ACT test scores will likely remain unaffected, the Minnesota Daily reported Monday. Instead, this new standard will encourage traditionally disadvantaged students to begin preparing for college admissions early on.

While not everyone will attend a university, an increasing number of schools across the country accept ACT scores instead of giving preference to the SAT. Moreover, some community colleges are recommending that applicants submit ACT scores along with their transcripts.

While it may seem extreme to require all high school students to take the ACT, we don’t see any disadvantages to adding this requirement. It will only broaden opportunities for everyone.