In a bold move last week, George Washington University (GWU) joined over 800 other four-year institutions in dropping the SAT requirement for incoming freshmen. Their reasoning? Not all high-achieving students excel in standardized tests, and GWU’s admissions team believes that focusing too heavily on test scores deters talented candidates—especially from minority and low-income backgrounds—from applying. This development has caught the attention of both supporters and skeptics of standardized testing, especially considering GWU’s stature as one of the more prestigious universities to adopt this change.
If you’re among those who think we need a universal metric for comparing students, it’s hard to ignore the fact that the standardized testing industry often feels like a scam. It tends to favor affluent students who can afford pricey test prep courses and personal tutors, some of whom charge an eye-watering $600 an hour. While some students truly need extra time due to legitimate learning differences, it’s not uncommon for privileged families to procure questionable psychological evaluations just to gain those extra minutes on the SAT.
As early as 1999, Sam Turner, the founder of a well-known test prep company, stated that the SAT is essentially a farce: “The SAT has been around for decades, yet it fails to measure anything meaningful. Those who perform well on it are often so pleased with their results that they don’t challenge its validity—after all, high test scores often lead to power and influence.” In his view, the SAT doesn’t assess intelligence, predict college performance, or correlate with future happiness or success. It merely tests basic math and reading skills, which any high schooler should already possess.
Research has shown that high school grades are a much more reliable predictor of college success than standardized test scores. “Students with solid grades but average test scores tend to outperform those with high test scores and poor grades,” says Lisa Mercer, a former admissions director at a college that does not require standardized tests. A strong GPA reflects years of dedication, curiosity, and hard work—qualities that are far more telling than how a student performs on a single Saturday morning exam.
Additionally, colleges should be considering a wider range of attributes when evaluating applicants. A student who actively participates in sports or the arts, or is recognized as a dedicated and curious individual in recommendations, might be just as likely to thrive in college as someone with top grades. While extracurriculars and teacher endorsements have always played a role in admissions, a deeper examination of students’ personalities could lead to a more diverse and equally capable freshman class. Why not shift focus from “superstar” candidates to those with sustained engagement in various activities? We should also seek out individuals with high Emotional Intelligence, a trait linked to effective leadership and strong job performance.
Eliminating standardized testing is a significant step in the right direction. Let’s hope more institutions follow GWU’s lead and reconsider the role of standardized tests in admissions. This shift could open the door for a more holistic view of students as unique individuals—full of potential and diversity. After all, college should be a place where young adults learn to navigate the complexities of the real world, and having a student body that reflects this diversity can only enhance that experience.
In summary, the move away from standardized testing offers an opportunity to reevaluate how we assess students. It invites us to see them as dynamic individuals rather than mere test scores, creating a richer, more inclusive college environment.