Updated: February 19, 2025
This post was previously published on eCampustours.com. The information provided is subject to change over time.
Standardized college admissions tests have been around since the early 1900s. In recent years, there has been much research and discussion over the use of standardized testing in college admissions. Because of new information, this research has introduced, some schools no longer require students to submit SAT and ACT scores but instead offer a test-optional policy. The debate about standardized testing in college admissions is still ongoing, but here are some arguments for and against these tests.
Arguments For Standardized Testing
Advocates of standardized testing in college admissions say that the SAT and ACT serve as national, standardized scales to determine how prepared students are for college. The following are just a few arguments in favor of standardized testing.
1. Standardized Testing is Practical
The tests have explicit directions and are easy to administer. They are also time-efficient and easy to grade.
2. Standardized Testing Prepares the Student for College
When students prepare for and take the SAT or ACT, they learn test-taking skills that will help them in college.
3. Standardized Testing Offsets Grade Inflation
With grade inflation on the rise in many school systems, standardized tests offer a way to consistently compare student knowledge and aptitude.
4. Standardized Testing is Objective
Compared to more involved assessments, standardized tests are unbiased. For the most part, standardized tests are graded by machines, so grader moods and biases will not affect test scores.
Arguments Against Standardized Testing
Critics of standardized testing in college admissions say that standardized tests are no longer as good of an indicator of college success as once thought. The following are just a few arguments against standardized testing.
1. Standardized Testing is Biased Against Certain Groups
When students prepare for and take the SAT or ACT, they learn test-taking skills that will help them in college.
2. Standardized Testing Adds Too Much Stress to Student Lives
Students spend a lot of time stressing over the SAT/ACT when they could be focusing their energy on more important academic and social activities that could benefit them in the future.
3. Standardized Testing Impedes the Assessment of a Very Important Skill
For the most part, standardized tests hinder any sort of creative or out-of-the-box thinking, which is a skill needed in college and in the workforce.
Conclusion
Only time will tell what the future holds for standardized testing in college admissions. For now, most schools continue to require and rely on SAT/ACT scores (as well as other factors) to make admissions decisions.
