Standardized testing requirements in college admissions have been a topic of debate for years, and Dartmouth’s recent announcement to reinstate its SAT/ACT requirement after a COVID-era pause has reignited this discussion. While some colleges like the Massachusetts Institute of Technology are following suit, there are indications that many schools will continue to embrace test-optional or test-blind policies.
One reason why colleges may not follow Dartmouth’s lead is the end of affirmative action. The Supreme Court’s decision last year to ban race-conscious policies in admissions makes requiring standardized tests less attractive to schools. Colleges dropped testing requirements during COVID partly because of the challenges students faced, but also because they anticipated the end of affirmative action. Rethinking standardized testing can be a way for schools to maintain diversity without relying on affirmative action, thus avoiding potential lawsuits.
Many schools have already committed to test-optional or test-blind policies for the long term. Columbia University and the University of California system, among others, have permanently or semi-permanently adopted these policies. This lack of uniformity among schools is intentional, as not all colleges want to move in lockstep. Schools on the West Coast, for example, have been test-optional for years and will continue with their current practices.
The role of standardized testing in the admissions process is still a topic of debate due to unsettled research. Dartmouth officials reinstated the testing requirement because they believe it helps identify underrepresented applicants who can succeed at their institution. Other factors like letters of recommendation and extracurricular activities often benefit wealthier applicants, leading to inequities in the admissions process. However, some experts question whether Dartmouth’s decision truly aims to increase access, as the percentage of low-income students at the school has not significantly changed with or without testing requirements.
While some research suggests that standardized tests can predict college success better than high school GPAs, other studies show that low-income students with lower SAT scores can still excel at prestigious colleges. The College Board itself acknowledges that combining test scores with high school grades is the most powerful way to predict academic performance. However, being rich can provide a significant advantage in scoring well on these tests, which can perpetuate inequalities.
Despite the ongoing debate, Dartmouth’s decision and the broader discussion around standardized testing have created a valuable experiment on their value in the admissions process. Policies that explicitly require or don’t consider tests provide more clarity to applicants than test-optional policies, which rely on students and families to make decisions without clear guidelines. The scrutiny of standardized tests and continued research can only lead to positive outcomes in the future.
Overall, the issue of standardized testing in college admissions remains complex and multifaceted. While Dartmouth’s decision may influence some schools, many others are likely to continue with their test-optional or test-blind policies. The debate surrounding standardized testing will undoubtedly continue as colleges strive to create fair and equitable admissions processes.
