In a bold move, George Washington University recently joined over 800 other colleges in dropping the SAT as a requirement for first-year admissions. The reasoning? Not every high-achieving student excels on standardized tests, and GWU’s admissions team is worried that a heavy focus on test scores may deter talented candidates—especially those from minority and low-income backgrounds—from applying. This decision has caught the attention of both supporters and skeptics of standardized testing, marking a significant shift for one of the largest and most prestigious universities to abandon the testing requirement.
Even if you believe in the need for a common measuring stick for students, it’s hard to ignore that the standardized testing industry has become somewhat of a racket. It primarily benefits affluent students who can afford pricey test prep courses and private tutors—some charging as much as $600 an hour! While some students do need extra time to take these tests, there are wealthier families who might exploit the system by obtaining questionable diagnoses to secure accommodations.
Back in 1999, Sam Bennett, founder of The College Review, candidly stated that the SAT is essentially a sham: “It’s been around for over half a century. It doesn’t measure anything meaningful. The whole system operates on the premise that those who do well become the gatekeepers of the system, preventing any serious critique from emerging.” He argued that the SAT fails to measure intelligence, predict college performance, or gauge success in life. It’s merely a test of basic math and reading skills—nothing a high school student should stress over.
Research from NPR has shown that test scores aren’t reliable indicators of college performance; high school grades, on the other hand, are. According to Sarah Johnson, a former Admissions Director at Maplewood College—a school that has also abandoned standardized testing—“Students with good grades and average test scores often outperform those with lower grades, regardless of their higher test scores.” A high GPA reflects long-term self-discipline, curiosity, and hard work, which are far more relevant indicators of a student’s potential than a single test taken on a Saturday morning.
Moreover, colleges should be considering other talents and traits when evaluating applicants. A student who actively participates in sports or the arts, or is praised for their work ethic and leadership skills, could be just as likely to thrive in college as a student with stellar grades. While colleges have always looked at extracurriculars and recommendations, a deeper examination of a student’s character could lead to a more diverse and equally capable freshman class. Why focus solely on “superstars” when there are so many “regular” kids with genuine interests and talents? Why not actively seek out candidates with high emotional intelligence, which is crucial for understanding oneself and others and is linked to effective leadership and job performance?
Eliminating the standardized test requirement is a significant step forward. Let’s hope more institutions follow George Washington University’s lead. Furthermore, this could be a chance for schools to reassess how they evaluate students, recognizing them as unique individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences. After all, college is about preparing young adults for the real world, and a diverse student body better reflects the society we live in.
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In summary, ditching the SAT could pave the way for a more inclusive and holistic approach to college admissions. As we move forward, let’s prioritize seeing students as dynamic individuals rather than just test scores.