Standardized Tests’ Predictive Value Sparks Ongoing College Admissions Debate

By Darius Spearman (africanelements)

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KEY TAKEAWAYS
Standardized tests have been used in college admissions for nearly a century.
Recent studies show standardized test scores may predict college success better than previously thought.
High school GPA is argued to be a stronger indicator of college graduation than standardized test scores.
Concerns over bias in standardized tests point to accessibility challenges for lower-income students.
The admissions landscape is changing as more institutions adopt test-optional policies.
The debate over the value of standardized tests continues alongside discussions about equity in college admissions.

Standardized Tests and College Achievement: A Complex Debate

For nearly a century, standardized tests have been key in U.S. college admissions. The SAT started in 1926, followed by the ACT in 1959. These exams have long been seen as important predictors of college success. But do they really foresee academic achievements?

Recently, research reignited this debate. A major study by Opportunity Insights, Brown University, Dartmouth College, and the National Bureau of Economic Research found that SAT and ACT scores might be stronger indicators than we once thought, especially at selective schools. This challenges the idea that standardized tests are weak at predicting future success.

The findings suggest that test scores predict college success better than high school GPA, especially at elite schools. This has led to a big discussion in academia about admissions standards.

Understanding Key Terms in College Admissions

To fully grasp the debate over standardized testing, it’s essential to understand some key concepts. Standardized tests like the SAT and ACT are exams designed to measure a student’s readiness for college. They assess skills in areas such as reading, math, and writing, providing colleges with a common metric to compare applicants (Standardized Tests: The Ultimate Guide to the SAT, ACT, & More).

Another important term is GPA, or Grade Point Average. This number represents a student’s average performance across all their high school courses. Unlike standardized tests, GPA reflects sustained effort over several years, offering a different perspective on academic ability (Standardized Testing Pros and Cons in College Admissions).

Moreover, understanding legacy status is crucial. This term refers to applicants who have family members that attended the same college. Some institutions give preference to these students during admissions, which can influence the diversity of the student body (Equitable Admissions: Ending the Reliance on Standardized Testing).

Extracurricular activities also play a significant role in admissions. These are pursuits outside the classroom, like sports, clubs, or volunteer work. They showcase a student’s interests and skills beyond academics, providing a more rounded view of their potential (What is Test Optional? – BigFuture – College Board).

A Closer Look at David Deming’s Perspective

Economist David Deming offers an unexpected viewpoint on standardized testing. He suggests that removing these tests from admissions could inadvertently harm students from lower-income backgrounds. According to Deming, standardized tests may serve as an equalizer because other admissions factors, like extracurricular involvement and leadership roles, often correlate with socioeconomic status (Standardized Testing Pros and Cons in College Admissions).

Therefore, standardized tests might provide an opportunity for talented students who lack access to enriched extracurricular experiences to demonstrate their academic potential. This perspective adds another layer to the debate over equity in college admissions.

Policy Changes in the University of California System

The University of California (UC) system has made significant changes to its admissions policies. In 2020, the UC system decided to eliminate SAT and ACT scores from consideration. This move aimed to promote fairness and increase access for students from diverse backgrounds (Equitable Admissions: Ending the Reliance on Standardized Testing).

This policy shift reflects a growing trend among institutions to reevaluate the role of standardized testing. By removing these exams from admissions criteria, the UC system hopes to reduce barriers for underserved students and create a more inclusive academic community.

Addressing Systemic Inequalities in Education

Systemic inequalities in education refer to the entrenched disparities that affect students based on socioeconomic status, race, or other factors. These inequalities impact access to quality education, test preparation resources, and extracurricular opportunities (Equitable Admissions: Ending the Reliance on Standardized Testing).

Consequently, students from less advantaged backgrounds may face challenges in the admissions process. Recognizing and addressing these systemic issues is essential for creating a fair and equitable educational landscape. Policies that consider the broader context of a student’s experience can help mitigate these disparities.

The Role of Research in Shaping Admissions Policies

Research plays a vital role in informing admissions policies. Studies like those conducted by Opportunity Insights provide data-driven insights into the effectiveness of standardized tests and other admissions criteria (Standardized Testing Pros and Cons in College Admissions).

Moreover, research helps institutions understand how different factors, such as socioeconomic status or access to resources, influence student success. This knowledge allows colleges to make informed decisions that promote fairness and academic excellence. As the debate continues, ongoing research will be crucial for developing policies that serve all students effectively.

High School GPA: A Multifaceted Measure

The topic isn’t black and white. Different research from the University of Chicago Consortium on School Research claims high school GPA is five times better than ACT scores at predicting graduation rates (University of Chicago Consortium on School Research).

Supporters of GPA say it captures a wider range of abilities. Unlike standardized tests showing how someone did on one day, GPAs reflect ongoing effort across semesters. They include various skills seen in different formats, giving a fuller picture of a student’s abilities.

This all-around view of GPA makes it a strong option over standardized tests, possibly providing a better assessment of college readiness.

The Equity Question: Bias and Accessibility

Standardized testing also brings up fairness and access issues. Critics argue these tests harm students from poorer backgrounds, keeping inequalities in place.

However, new research adds complexity to this viewpoint. The Opportunity Insights study showed no evidence that students from wealthier families outperformed less affluent peers on standardized tests when accounting for income, race, gender, and legacy status (Opportunity Insights).

Yet, it did reveal a harsh truth: students from less privileged backgrounds typically score lower on these tests and are less likely to take them compared to wealthier counterparts. This gap highlights issues in access and preparation, not bias in the tests themselves.

Economist David Deming suggests a surprising idea. He argues that getting rid of standardized tests might hurt lower-income students more. Other application factors, like extracurriculars and leadership roles, are often linked to wealth, so without test scores, these students might lose a leveling factor in admissions.

A Shifting Landscape

The college admissions process is changing quickly due to these debates. In 2018, the University of Chicago became the first top college to make tests optional in applications. This decision started a trend, with many following their lead.

The University of California system made big news in 2020 by dropping SAT/ACT scores entirely. Their aim: to create a more just way to evaluate college applications. This represents a major shift in how large institutions handle admissions.

Conclusion: The Future of College Admissions

The discussion on standardized testing in admissions remains ongoing. As new studies appear and schools try different methods, the process keeps changing. What’s sure is that no universal answer exists.

While some studies suggest that standardized tests could be more valuable than previously thought, especially in elite settings, concerns over fairness continue. High school GPA, on the other hand, offers a substitute measuring a range of skills over time.

As we advance, it’s important to keep evaluating and improving our approach to college admissions. The aim must be to create a system that effectively predicts college success while ensuring fair access for all students, regardless of background. This ongoing conversation is vital for shaping higher education’s future and its role in providing opportunities and social mobility.

FAQ

Q: What is the main argument regarding standardized tests in college admissions?
A: The debate centers around whether standardized tests like the SAT and ACT accurately predict college achievement, with some studies suggesting they are effective, especially at selective institutions.

Q: How do standardized tests compare to high school GPA in predicting college success?
A: Research indicates that while standardized test scores can predict success, high school GPA may be more effective, particularly in forecasting graduation rates, reflecting sustained academic effort.

Q: What are the equity concerns regarding standardized testing?
A: Critics argue standardized tests may disadvantage lower-income students, but recent studies show that access and preparation issues, rather than inherent bias, contribute to lower scores among these students.

Q: How has the college admissions process changed in recent years?
A: Many institutions, including the University of Chicago and the University of California system, have moved towards optional or eliminated standardized tests in their admissions processes to promote fairer evaluations.

Q: What should be the focus moving forward in college admissions?
A: The ongoing dialogue should aim at refining college admissions criteria to accurately predict success while ensuring equitable access for all students, creating a system that encourages opportunity and social mobility.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Darius Spearman is a professor of Black Studies at San Diego City College, where he has been teaching since 2007. He is the author of several books, including Between The Color Lines: A History of African Americans on the California Frontier Through 1890. You can visit Darius online at africanelements.org.