In the realm of college admissions, the use of standardized testing has been a hot topic for nearly a century. The debate surrounding the necessity of test scores versus the reliance on student grade point averages (GPAs) has been ongoing, with proponents of both sides presenting compelling arguments.
Proponents of using test scores in admissions often view standardized testing as a necessary evil. They argue that while test scores may not fully capture a student’s ability to thrive in college, they do provide valuable insights that cannot be gleaned from GPAs alone. And they are correct in this assertion. While high school GPAs offer valuable information, grade inflation can skew their reliability. Therefore, a holistic approach that considers both test scores and GPAs can provide a more comprehensive view of a student’s academic potential.
The history and purpose of standardized testing in college admissions dates back to the early 20th century. Initially, standardized tests were introduced to foster diversity in higher education by identifying talented students nationwide. Harvard’s introduction of the SAT® Exam aimed to break regional biases and create opportunities for students from working-class backgrounds.
Over time, standardized tests have evolved to adapt to changing educational landscapes. Recent changes, such as the transition to digital exams and increased testing locations and dates in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, aim to support equity in college admissions. However, opponents argue that GPAs are a better measure of a student’s college readiness, regardless of their racial or economic background.
One of the primary arguments against standardized testing is that replacing test scores with GPA requirements would create a more level playing field for students from non-privileged backgrounds. However, a study by American University found that high school GPAs increased more at wealthier private and suburban schools than lower-income urban public schools from 2005 to 2016. This disparity highlights the fact that high-income schools often offer more advanced courses, leading to higher GPAs for their students.
In addition to disparities in course offerings, wealthier families often have greater access to tutoring and academic support, which can boost students’ grades. Conversely, students from lower-income households may have to work to support their families and may not be able to afford expensive extracurricular activities. These factors can result in less study time and fewer opportunities for involvement in activities like sports and school clubs, ultimately leading to lower GPAs and weaker college applications.
Standardized tests provide colleges with consistent metrics to evaluate students from diverse educational backgrounds. While high school GPAs are not standardized and can vary widely between schools, test scores offer a common measure that allows for uniform comparisons. This consistency ensures that all students are judged by the same criteria, providing a fair assessment of their readiness for college-level work.
A recent study by the University of Chicago Consortium on School Research found that while high school GPA alone is a predictor of college readiness, requiring both GPAs and ACT® scores helps to reduce GPA inconsistencies across schools. Standardized tests offer an objective measure that can balance out GPA discrepancies, leading to a fairer evaluation process for all students.
By considering both GPAs and standardized test scores in college admissions, institutions can better identify talented students who have faced socioeconomic or educational challenges. Standardized tests can reveal hidden potential in students, offering an equitable opportunity for them to showcase their abilities. For example, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) recently reinstated test requirements and subsequently admitted their most diverse class in history, with 15% being Black and 20% being Pell Grant recipients. This dual approach of using both test scores and GPAs helped level the playing field for students from all backgrounds.
In the face of a rise in applicants with near-perfect GPAs, colleges are tasked with differentiating among high-achieving students. Standardized test scores provide an additional data point that can help admissions teams make more nuanced decisions about placement in academic programs. This ensures that students are placed in programs that align with their abilities, based on a comprehensive evaluation of both grades and test scores.
Grade inflation has become a pressing issue in recent years, with the average high school GPA rising from 3.0 in 2009 to 3.11 in 2019, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). This 3.7% increase in just 10 years has made it more challenging for colleges to differentiate among applicants based solely on GPA. Standardized test scores offer an objective measure of a student’s academic abilities, helping to mitigate the impact of grade inflation on the admissions process.
Standardized test scores allow colleges to distinguish among top applicants with similar GPAs. Without standardized testing, students may be chosen based on parental lobbying or other economic advantages, rather than their academic abilities. By combining test scores with GPAs, colleges can ensure a more comprehensive evaluation that takes into account each student’s unique academic journey and readiness for college.
In conclusion, a holistic approach to college admissions that considers both GPAs and standardized test scores is essential for predicting and supporting college readiness. While standardized testing may not be a perfect system, it provides valuable insights that can help colleges make more informed admissions decisions. By using both measures in conjunction, colleges can ensure that all students, regardless of background, have a fair opportunity to showcase their academic potential.
