Test Optional: A Benefit to Everyone

Standardized testing is meant to measure students and offer a fair evaluation of their individual strengths.  However, it has done the opposite.  Since the hit of the recent pandemic, several universities such as Harvard University, Boston University, and the University of Pittsburgh have offered for students to apply as test-optional because it is the best process. Test Optional should be permanent.

It is argued that standardized testing provides meaningful data to classify students and allows schools to make conclusions based on performance on the test.  (ProCon.org) Pennridge High School teacher, Staci Klemmer shared her opinion saying, “Something has to be in place so there can be comparison for students to get an equitable education.”  Another argument made is that GPA may not be the best measure, because a student could have a high GPA but not a high rigor of classes.  Tests are supposed to be a fair measure.  Klemmer also discussed the benefit of tests, expressing, “I think tests have a purpose and it’s a way to even the playing field for colleges.”

In 2001, it was suggested that the SAT be rewritten so it’s tailored more to the high school curriculum.  (DePaul University) Studies were conducted and they revealed that GPA was a better predictor of success.  CollegeBoard, who is in charge of writing the test, responded by eliminating the word analogies section of the test.  However, colleges recognized that the test still had bias. Pennridge High School senior, Emily Strom, elaborated on her opinion stating, “The standardized math level is lower than a lot of kids take so it’s unfair for them.  For the kids that may be in a higher level, they took geometry earlier and may have to wait four years to take the SAT when a big part of it is geometry.”

Test Optional would be beneficial to students because it allows them to have the option of providing their test scores based on them as an individual.  Strom shared her views on making test optional permanent, stating, “I think that test optional should be permanent because it gives the option to eliminate having an inaccurate representation of students.” One test shouldn’t be a factor in students’ future success.

Sources:

“Enrollment Management.” Enrollment Management | DePaul University, Chicago, https://offices.depaul.edu/enrollment-management/Pages/default.aspx.

Morrison, Nick. “It’s Gpas Not Standardized Tests That Predict College Success.” Forbes, Forbes Magazine, 14 Apr. 2022, https://www.forbes.com/sites/nickmorrison/2020/01/29/its-gpas-not-standardized-tests-that-predict-college-success/?sh=74c85c4332bd.

“SAT Program Results Capture Impact of COVID on Class of 2021.” Newsroom, https://newsroom.collegeboard.org/sat-program-results-capture-impact-of-covid-on-class-of-2021.

“Standardized Testing Pros and Cons – Does It Improve Education?” Standardized Tests, 17 Feb. 2022, https://standardizedtests.procon.org/.