Before the pandemic, there were already about 1,000 four-year colleges that were test-optional. And almost overnight, all American colleges became test-optional.
But over the last few years, standardized testing has crept back in, particularly at elite schools and in the deep South.
The question is why. What is it about standardized tests that these institutions value? Here is what we know:
Traditionally, the argument for standardized testing has been to level the playing field. Theoretically, everybody has the same test and the same opportunity to answer the questions correctly.
On the surface, that’s a compelling argument. But when you unpack it with data, it raises questions.
Students from wealthier districts and households with higher levels of education consistently score higher. Those students often have access to additional tutoring, a more rigorous curriculum in their high school, and other factors that come with wealth (like more time for studying because they are not working to help support the family).
But setting aside the equity issue for the moment, why are schools going back? There are three main reasons.
- Pressure from the current White House administration. In the compact this administration proposed to nine elite institutions to restore federal funding, one of the criteria was requiring SAT or ACT testing.
This is to advance their agenda of dismantling diversity, equity and inclusion. Seven of the nine institutions have already rejected the demand. But this is an ongoing fight between academic freedom and government control.
- Different priorities from internal constituents.
When admission officers review applications, they are building a community. Someone with lower test scores or GPA but who is a campus leader might be admitted over someone with a higher test score and a 4.0 who shows few indications of adding value to the community outside the classroom.
Both students are going to graduate from college, but the difference might be between the first student getting a 3.2 GPA and the second student getting a 3.4 GPA.
But certain constituents measure success numerically. If you measure success by individual GPA, your priorities will differ from those who measure the success of the community.
- Peer pressure.
When elite schools started going back to testing, it became a question of prestige in many people’s minds. If Harvard thinks test scores add value, and my institution doesn’t require them, will people assume we are not as rigorous?
Peer pressure is eternal, apparently. I will be surprised if Columbia does not return as the last Ivy League holdout, especially with all the pressure they’ve been under from the government.
So, where does this leave students?
If you want to apply to elite schools or schools in the South, you should start preparing for standardized tests. There are still more than 1,000 schools (including the UCs and CSUs) and probably closer to 2,000 that don’t require testing.
But if you measure success by a brand name, then plan to take the test (also read “Dream School” by Jeff Selingo, which just came out in September). Prepare to take it more than once because chances are you will need to raise your score.
