Letter to the Editor: The importance of context, rethinking standardized tests in college admissions
Photo via: TNP Staff
The following column is a submitted Letter to the Editor from Dylan Watson, a student at Ohio University.
Please note that the views and opinions of this letter do not reflect those of The New Political.
Recent discussions surrounding college admissions have rightly highlighted the need for equitable and holistic evaluation of applicants. However, amid calls to eliminate standardized testing, we risk discarding a valuable tool that can enhance fairness and identify promising students from diverse backgrounds when used judiciously.
Critics often point to the well-documented correlation between test scores and socioeconomic status. While this is a valid concern, the solution lies not in outright abolition but in a nuanced approach. Colleges should place greater emphasis on contextualizing scores, considering the resources available to students.
Furthermore, institutions must invest in robust test-optional pathways and broaden their evaluation criteria to give significant weight to factors like essays, extracurricular activities, and demonstrated resilience.
Evidence suggests that when standardized tests are considered alongside other factors such as economic disparities and the rank of school districts, they can help identify high-achieving students who might be overlooked. By relying solely on subjective measures like GPA, it can vary significantly between high schools and students.
A study by the College Board, while acknowledging disparities, also indicates that the SAT can provide a common metric to compare students from vastly different educational environments. It is important to acknowledge that graduation rates are a key indicator of academic success. Their findings also reveal disparities.
Data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) shows that Black and Hispanic students have lower graduation rates compared to White and Asian students. This calls attention to the need for a comprehensive approach to college admissions that considers a multitude of factors.
Eliminating standardized tests could inadvertently lead to an over-reliance on subjective evaluations, potentially opening the door to unconscious biases. A balanced approach, where standardized tests are one component of a comprehensive review process, allows institutions to identify a range of talented students and build truly diverse and intellectually vibrant communities.
It is time for a thoughtful recalibration, not a wholesale rejection, of standardized testing in college admissions. By contextualizing scores, expanding evaluation criteria, and investing in equitable access to test preparation, we can harness the potential of these assessments to create a fairer and more effective admissions process.
Sincerely,
Dylan Watson
Student at Ohio University