Standardized tests have some students under pressure going against the ticking clock rushing to finish. Colleges and universities see pros and cons of staying test optional. Many schools have not made a final decision on whether to make this policy permanent or not, but some schools like Ivy League Institutions are back to using test scores. Just a little under 90% of today’s Colleges and Universities are in the midst of making the decision on whether or not to stay test optional and for good reason.
Cons
Standardized test scores used to be the key to getting into most colleges. The SAT and ACT along with other AP and IB tests were used to determine the level a student was placed at and determined their college readiness. These tests are a fair issue of a student’s level to achieve; without them it could be much harder to predict how a student will do at a college level. Standardized tests also have made a fair playing ground between admission committees and enrolling students. With the removal of these tests committees may have to result in unfair ways to compare and evaluate students. For admissions officers this may lead to unfair, unjust, and more complex decision making processes.
Pros
Being put into a room sitting in silence while taking a long test may not be a part of some students’ strength and that is well understood. Not using standardized tests may show a better representation of the student themself. Going test optional allows students to show off their true colors and capabilities. They can show their strengths and how that actually represents them. Another pro is that it causes students and admissions to be more innovative with how they go about the whole process. For students they may focus more on their resume and extra curricular activities while admissions may take a more holistic approach. This means admissions focuses on personal qualities, leadership skills and the senior essay. The biggest pro is that it increases diversity in every way possible, but it is being questioned whether or not this will hurt the reputation of the college or university. Will focusing on other qualities lower the level of education and reputation of a University or College?
Overall Message
The move towards test optional admissions definitely shows a more holistic and inclusive approach to evaluating students. By reducing pressure, students are focusing on bettering themselves and other aspects of their resume. By reducing the emphasis on standardized test scores, colleges can create a more equitable admissions process that allows students from diverse backgrounds and varying skill sets to shine. Just because this may make it easier for some students, others may see it as a setback because of their high level of test taking and the same goes for the admissions committee and their process. The playing field becomes more leveled out for students but for admissions more work and research is to be done to be able to compare students equally instead of impartilily. So, is the move to go test-optional during admissions worth it for many colleges and universities.