Why Have an Academic Standard?
The Importance of Quantifiable Data for Equality in Higher Education
“What should we keep the SAT?” asked my friend, Ritu. The recent College Board announcement of the new digital and simplified SAT stirred up passionate chatter among my friends who all have teenage children. “Sadly, I think the SAT will become obsolete soon,” said Emily. “Over 70% of colleges have made the SAT optional since 2019,” chimed in Alix with a worried frown on her face. A diverse group of five mothers whom I have known since our kids were in kindergarten met at a new Korean hotpot restaurant for lunch.
Growing up in Seoul, Korea, an education-obsessed country, I took the College Scholastic Ability Test. In Korea, the test scores singlehandedly determine which Korean college or university students can attend — ultimately not only influencing career opportunities, but also social standing and marriage prospects in Korean society. It was a mentally and physically grueling 8-hour exam. On the test day, my mother, a devoted Buddhist, put sticky rice taffy called “yeot” on the wall of the test center and prayed at a nearby temple for good luck. Being not particularly good at taking standardized tests and unable to afford a tutor, I dearly resented the fact that my score alone would have such a significant impact on my future.
The SAT, however, unlike the Korean College Scholastic Ability Test, is not the sole determining factor for college acceptance in the U.S. American colleges and universities claim they take a “holistic” approach for their admissions decisions, considering other information including GPA, extracurricular activities, athletic success, family relationships to school alums, race, gender, and more. Along with GPA, which has embedded variables of its own, the test scores I would argue, are one of the few elements of the application that provide any type of data with regards to the academic diligence and aptitude of students.
“It should stay… until we identify a better measurement,” I suggested to the group. Despite past resentment of standardized testing earlier in my own life, with so few objective measures of academic capability and aptitude in today’s admissions process, given all the criteria being considered, I believe having an objective standard based on quantifiable data for college admissions is a valid element. Every element considered in today’s holistic admissions process is to some degree imperfect. Given this, why would we eliminate one of the few elements that align with academic aptitude? Without standardized test scores being considered, other than GPA, admissions decisions will be limited to somewhat murky, subjective, and “qualitative” variables that have little relevance to academics. The abolishment of SAT scores without replacing the exam with another academically relevant measure will ultimately undermine the ability for our schools of higher education to appropriately intellectually challenge generations to come — generations that we need for the human race to progress.
