Is the SAT Back?
The College admissions landscape was drastically changed by the introduction of “test-optional” policies during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Test-optional” suggests that first-year and transfer applicants could submit standardized test scores if they chose, but their applications would be considered regardless. More than 1,900 U.S. colleges and universities now do not require applicants to submit standardized test scores, reports Inside Higher Ed. This change was initially celebrated as a victory of equity in education, David Leonhardt notes in The New York Times. However, some academics and university administrators now question whether the switch has been a mistake.
The Ongoing Debate: To Test or Not to Test?
As test-optional policies prevail, higher education debates: Should colleges return to required testing? Until now, the answer is divided — Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Georgetown University reinstated testing requirements in 2022, while Columbia University and William and Mary have decided to abide by test-optional policies indefinitely. In light of the ongoing debate, Dartmouth College became the first Ivy League institution to reinstate the SAT requirement for their Class of 2029 applicants, reigniting the discussions around SAT requirements.
Beyond Grades with Standardized Testing
While standardized testing has been criticized as an inaccurate predictor of student success, the growing body of research indicates that standardized test scores are valuable predictors of college performance, graduation likelihood, and post-college success, surpassing high school grades due in part to grade inflation. Researchers argue these test scores could be beneficial for identifying lower-income students and underrepresented minorities who have potential to excel. A new study reveals a surprising link: high-schools grades have little correlation with college success, unlike standardized test scores. High school GPAs have minimal predictive power, while test scores show stronger correlation. “Test scores have vastly more predictive power than is commonly understood in the popular debate,” said John Friedman, an economist and an author of Opportunity Insights study.
On Objectivity and Equity
MIT has become an illustrative example — reinstating testing requirements while prioritizing diversity. Shmill, the admissions dean, emphasizes that the scores are not the main factor that the college now uses. However, he and his colleagues find the scores useful in identifying promising students from disadvantaged backgrounds who could flourish at the institution. This perspective resonates with the growing subjectivity in college admissions. SAT and ACT, even with some flaws, offer meaningful information about an applicant’s readiness to undertake high-level academic work. Standardized tests can establish a baseline standard that can be more reliable than high school grades, teacher recommendations, or extracurricular activities, which vary significantly across schools and locations.
The Way Forward
While colleges grapple with the complexities of test-optional policies, students might face uncertainty. Regardless of the future of testing requirements, the focus should be on equitable access and identifying students who can thrive in diverse academic environments.
