Avast ye mateys, them colleges be bringin' back the blasted standardized testin'! Arrr, those test-optional policies be causin' trouble fer the scallywags.
2024-03-16
Arrr, the wise beards be chattin' 'bout these landlubbers bringin' back the dreaded SAT and ACT tests for young scallywags lookin' to join their crew at university. Methinks they be tryin' to separate the true buccaneers from the scurvy dogs! Aharrr!
Universities in the United States are once again requiring undergraduate applicants to submit SAT or ACT scores after concerns about inequality in higher education. Professor David D. Schein of the University of St. Thomas explained that standardized testing provides a central index for comparison and is essential for a reference source independent of geography. Competition for students has intensified due to demographic shifts and rising costs, prompting schools to drop testing requirements to attract more applicants.Schein criticized the notion that some minority students perform poorly on standardized tests due to poor schooling or cultural bias, calling it racist and offensive. The University of Texas at Austin reinstated test scores, citing difficulties in placing students without them. Many prestigious universities have followed suit, recognizing the value of standardized testing in identifying promising students.While some argue that testing disadvantages certain students, others believe it helps identify high-achieving individuals from underrepresented backgrounds. The debate continues on whether standardized testing promotes fairness and inclusivity or perpetuates inequalities in the college admissions process.Overall, the discussion revolves around the role of standardized testing in evaluating applicants and shaping a more diverse student body in higher education.