My MBA Journey: Standardized Testing Returns for US Colleges, Impacting Minority Students

Last Updated on March 17, 2024 by Robert C. Hoopes

Multiple universities in the United States are reinstating requirements for undergraduate applicants to submit SAT or ACT scores, sparking a debate on equality in higher education. Professor David D. Schein of the University of St. Thomas emphasized the importance of standardized testing as a central index for comparing students, in addition to grades and extracurricular activities.

The University of Texas at Austin recently announced that they would require test scores again, citing difficulties in placing students in suitable programs without this information. This move comes after many universities temporarily dropped testing requirements during the COVID-19 pandemic, but prestigious institutions like MIT and Georgetown have since reinstated them.

While some experts believe standardized testing can help identify promising students, especially those from schools lacking advanced coursework or extracurricular activities, others argue that making tests optional promotes fairness and inclusivity in college admissions. Christopher Rim, CEO of Command Education, believes that reinstating standardized testing alongside other factors will lead to a more equitable admissions process.

On the other hand, counselors like Halima Moore argue that mandatory testing could perpetuate inequalities and undermine efforts to promote diversity in college admissions. Despite this debate, Ivy League institutions like Yale and Brown have already announced a shift back to standardized testing requirements for future admissions.

The issue of standardized testing in college admissions continues to be a hot topic, with stakeholders on both sides presenting compelling arguments for their positions. As universities navigate this complex issue, the future of standardized testing in higher education remains uncertain.