Many universities are making massive changes with SAT and ACT guidelines
California Universities made a massive sift this week, announcing that they will no longer use the SAT or ACT for admissions purposes. In CNN article https://www.cnn.com/2020/05/22/us/uc-suspends-sat-act-for-admissions-until-2024/index.html we see that California suspended SAT / ACT testing for admission requirement until 2024. While this is a big move, there is much chatter in the world of college admissions that this is just the beginning.
Evaluating the effectiveness of the SAT and ACT in College Admissions
Though this may seem like a decision that was made due to the COVID crisis, this decision “marks the culmination of a two-year research-based effort by UC to evaluate the value and use of standardized tests in admissions, according to the university system” says CNN. In addition to this announcement, California schools also announced that they have plans to build their own test rather than return to the traditional SAT/ACT testing options. “"I think this is an incredible step in the right direction toward aligning our admissions policy with the broad-based values of the University," UC Board of Regents Chair John A. Pérez said.”
I can personally see the SAT and ACT being a part of the admissions process but not being such a large piece of the equation. In fact, I have spent time learning the strategies needed to help students master the test and do see the benefit to students learning this strategic approach to learning. You can see more about that here. https://insights.collegeconfidential.com/time-management-sat
Many Colleges Expected to Drop Admissions Testing
Many school are expected to follow this direction as there have been complaints for years that the SAT/ACT testing method doesn’t allow for equality or show the student in a “wholistic” manner. While I do see the benefit of making sure the students have mastered the content needed to be successful in high school and college, I also find equal value in the community service they have done, their involvement in their family, school activities, their work history and how they have spent their summers. Evaluating students by multiple measures would be a healthier approach and give a more comprehensive view of the student and their overall journey in high school.
As an Independent Educational Consultant, I have a very strong opinion that students should be evaluated in a comprehensive manner and seen as more than just test scores and a gpa. Many variables go into these numbers of test scores and gpa. For students who have spent many hours studying and are eager to share their test scores, they will still be optional for California schools through 2022. For those applying to California schools in 2023 and 2024, they can still submit their scores but they will only be used in special circumstances such as course placement and scholarships.
California schools aren’t the only schools who don’t require SAT/ ACT testing. Here is a list of 27 schools who also don’t require these exams. https://www.insider.com/27-great-schools-that-dont-require-sat-or-act-scores-2019-7#27-colorado-college-does-not-require-sat-or-act-scores-1
In addition, many more schools are jumping on this bandwagon, realizing that there is much more to a student than their test scores. In fact, in fact, there are over 1200 schools who are test optional as of May 2020 and I expect than many more will be added to the list soon. https://www.fairtest.org/schools-do-not-use-sat-or-act-scores-admitting-substantial-numbers-students-bachelor-degree-programs. If face, even some Ivy League schools such as Princeton and University of Pennsylvania don’t require these test and even Harvard and Cornell are waving their test score requirements during the COVID crisis. https://www.nytimes.com/article/sat-act-test-optional-colleges-coronavirus.html
As I’ve watched students study endlessly for the SAT and ACT tests over the last decade, the amount of stress this puts on our students in unnecessary in my opinion. The purpose of the test is to “equalize the students”. I personally think some students have an advantage if they have had the opportunity for tutoring and courses helping guide them through the test and strategies of the test. There is nothing wrong with this approach and I do agree it has helped many students thrive on the test. The trade off remains with how many hours they spent preparing for the exam and what else could they or would have they been able to accomplish with those same hours. I will however say that Khan Academy has an excellent program for SAT prep that is free and very beneficial. In fact, I’ve seen students raise their scores but 200 points using only Khan Academy. For the motivated student, this is a great option.
Dropping SAT and ACT from Admissions Requirements is welcomed by many students and schools
The beauty of this move by some universities is that is allows students to have options. If they are good test takers and want to continue to consider their scores in their admissions process, they can choose to do that. This will be critical for those students who are being considered for National Merit Scholars. For those students who excel in other areas other than test taking will have more of an opportunity to shine in their area of strength and won’t feel the overwhelming pressure to be a great test taker.
While we can’t see what the future will hold for all schools, the decisions made this week by California schools is certainly one of epic proportion and one that will be welcomed by many.
Sherri Graf
Imagine College Coaching