Harmony Chen (9) | STAFF REPORTER
Since their debuts in 1926 and 1959, the SAT and ACT have been a significant aspect of numerous college admissions processes. World-renowned for their academic rigour, these two American college entrance exams were designed to measure high school students’ competence for college, as well as to create one common point of data to set apart good and great students on a highly selective, international level.
Recently, many major US universities have decided to make SAT and ACT score submissions temporarily optional. These requirements were waived in response to factors caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. As more universities veer away from being test-required, the question of whether or not this action is justified emerges.
For outstanding students, standardized testing allows them the opportunity to demonstrate their adeptness, especially if they were not offered rigorous courses, such as AP and IB, in school. The SAT and ACT also bring a consistent, relatively objective standard of evaluation to the table. In major US universities, successful applicants often fall in the top few percentiles, and to be considered a competitive applicant requires an exceptional test score. For this reason, many believe that major US universities should be test-required, as this demonstration of academic competence should be the base requirement of an admission.
However, as the COVID-19 pandemic emerged, these standardized tests have become an unfair measure of academic proficiency. Consequently, many students were deprived of access to resources that would aid them in achieving a successful test score. Many other factors skew students’ test scores as well. The SAT and ACT favour more financially well-off students who are able to access additional tutoring and test-taking support and their enhanced ability to digest and memorize content. Therefore, standardized tests do not always accurately measure one’s intelligence or potential to succeed at an university-level education.
While many believe that not submitting test scores will damage an application, schools are still able to fairly judge applicants. Major US universities have holistic admissions, meaning that students are evaluated on every aspect of their application aside from numerical scores. By assessing other components of an application, such as personal essays, extra-curricular activities, and course rigour, while also taking into account the various backgrounds and experiences of students, admissions officers can gauge an sound understanding of their applicants.
All in all, going test-optional allows students to draw their applications on their strengths, and account for the many setbacks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Strong SAT and ACT scores will undoubtedly boost an application, yet weak scores and not submitting test scores may not necessarily hurt its chances of qualification. This attracts a more diverse student body, taking into consideration students from all walks of life.
