The Scholastic Assessment Test and American College Testing (abbreviated as SAT and ACT, respectively) have been one of the biggest stressors for high school students. Scoring below average for a particular school often meant that the student’s application wouldn’t even be considered for admission.
These standardized tests have been, for a long time, a critical component for acceptance into institutions of higher education. However, test anxiety, socioeconomic disparities, overemphasis on test scores, and cultural bias that are potentially associated with standardized academic performance evaluation can perpetuate an unfair admission process.
In order to create a more equitable admissions process and to alleviate some of the pressure associated with standardized testing, some colleges have adopted test-optional policies, allowing students to decide whether or not to submit their standardized test scores as part of their application.
The test-optional movement advocates for bypassing standardized testing, and schools that are part of the movement don’t actually require standardized testing scores as part of the student’s application. However, the student can still attach their SAT or ACT score to their application, and many of the colleges that have adopted the test-optional policies will gladly accept said test score; they just don’t require them to consider an applying student.
The argument here is that standardized testing doesn’t add any meaningful value to student applications, as it only shows a small part of a student’s academic abilities and potential and doesn’t focus on other important qualities, such as creativity, leadership, and unique talents. In other words, these exams don’t fully capture everything a student could contribute to the campus.
There are several benefits to the test-optional movement for both the students and the colleges. Colleges that want to appear as desirable as possible to students and their families previously achieved their selective appearance by only admitting a small number of applicants with great grades and high test scores.
However, by adopting the test-optional approach, these institutions of higher learning can now review student applications more broadly and comprehensively. This also expands the selection range of applications, some of which they might otherwise have missed had they kept their test-required admission policies.
Test-optional policies also have a range of positive effects on students. Students who otherwise struggled with standardized testing no longer face the pressure of having to achieve high scores in order to bolster their college application, which can alleviate the stress and anxiety otherwise associated with standardized testing.
These policies also tend to make higher education more accessible to students from diverse backgrounds, including those bright minds from low-income families or underserved communities who might not have the resources necessary for extensive SAT prep. They also level the playing field by reducing the advantage of those who can afford expensive test preparation courses and tutors.
In the end, SAT/ACT tests aren’t really the best thing in the world when it comes to admission criteria, as they’re not a great indicator of the student’s success in college and afterward. Additionally, they’re also not the most productive use of students’ time.
However, it’s worth noting that only about one-third of colleges have opted for test-optional admissions, which leads to greater variability in admissions criteria. Students now must carefully read each institution’s admission policies to understand their specific requirements, and many will still need to submit their test scores when applying for college.
