Over the years, teachers, students and even administrators have debated whether or not the SAT should be a mandated aspect of students’ college application and eligibility for admission. As time goes on, taking the SAT becomes less crucial for students application and chances of admission.
The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in students not having access to testing centers. Therefore, many schools turned test-blind or test-optional. This trend seemed to stick after the pandemic as well.
According to Faritest.org, “More than 80% of U.S. four-year colleges and universities will not require applicants for fall 2025 admissions to submit ACT/SAT scores.”
Select colleges, such as Ivy Leagues have reverted back to their pre-pandemic testing policies for admission, however, most other universities have stuck to the test-optional route.
The reason for schools reverting away from the SAT is mainly because it causes students a lot of stress and some students of lower income do not have access to testing. Colleges have began to consider other factors that are able to give a bigger picture than the SAT on a students overall capabilities.
According to usnews.com, “Taking the SAT or ACT is often a source of stress for student[s], because of the stress and the amount of time prepping can take, many colleges have become test-optional and considered other factors to help determine qualification for admission.”
The SAT is not a full reflection of a student’s academic capabilities and doesn’t fully assess them. Some students may not do well with tests and get very stressed, but are still very academically bright.
“I don’t think student should have to take the SAT because it feels very rushed and stressful. It is also timed which makes it more challenging,” said junior Mia Urquiaga.
Juniors at Eagle High and around the country feel the same way when it comes to the stress levels and overall reflection of student levels from the SAT. Therefore, they feel colleges should stay test-optional.
The SAT in the past has been harder to access for middle-class and lower-income students. This results in people who may be more fortunate having an unfair advantage at college admission, especially at competitive schools.
According to gse.harverd.edu, “Data shows that students from high-income families on average score higher than those who come from lower-income families.”
There are a multitude of reasons that the SAT has begun to be done away with. But overall, many students feel that the SAT should not be necessary for college applications and admissions. As a response, many colleges have adjusted to a test-blind or test-optional policy.
All in all, the SAT is a big debate that will continue to advance as the world gets further from the pandemic. The further it gets, the more that schools are seemingly turning to test-optional policies.
