The Messy Fight Over the SAT
Dive into the complex and contentious world of college admissions with The Daily's latest episode featuring Sabrina Tavernise and David Leonhardt, focused on the long-standing debate surrounding the SAT. This episode promises to untangle the intricate web of fairness versus excellence as colleges grapple with the role of standardized tests.
Leonhardt thoughtfully explores the tumultuous shift towards test-optional policies, spurred by the pandemic's disruption, and their impact on both diversity and academic success in higher education. The episode also examines the potential legal consequences of SAT usage or omission, deftly navigating through the complexities, and weighs what colleges should prioritize in shaping the future of society and innovation. With perspectives on both sides of the aisle, this discussion delves deep into whether the pursuit of diversity and social mobility can coexist with the goal of fostering academic excellence through standardized testing.
This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Jan 17, 2024 episode of the The Daily
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1-Page Summary
Fairness versus excellence in college admissions
The debate over the place of standardized tests in college admissions involves a delicate balance between striving for diversity and seeking academic excellence. The recent shift to test-optional policies due to the pandemic has intensified discussions around SAT/ACT tests' role.
The debate over requiring SAT/ACT tests
David Leonhardt discusses the current tension in the higher education system – a movement away from mandatory SAT/ACT tests, largely propelled by the COVID-19 pandemic. The accessibility of these standardized tests was severely disrupted, prompting many U.S. colleges to adopt test-optional policies.
Concerns that tests reduce diversity
Leonhardt brings to light the viewpoint that standardized tests are believed to harm diversity by some critics. They argue that the tests are inherently biased, as evidenced by score disparities across racial and economic lines, and cite historical racism associated with the development of these tests.
Evidence that tests predict academic success
Contrasting the criticism, there is evidence presented that SAT/ACT scores effectively forecast a student's academic performance in college. These standardized test scores have been linked to future academic milestones, such as attendance of prestigious graduate schools, suggesting an alignment with college success.
Legal risks if tests are or aren't used
Risk of bias claims if tests are used
Leonhardt notes potential legal implications if SATs are used, especially with the possibility of a Supreme Court ruling against considering race in admissions. Such a decision could heighten the scrutiny of racial biases within the admission process.
Risk of not meeting excellence goals if not used
The absence of standardized testing poses its own risks – notably, the possibility of colleges failing to attain their academic excellence standards, which is a cornerstone requirement for the institutions' long-term value and reputation.
What should higher education prioritize?
Promoting diversity and social mobility
Those opposing the reliance on standardized tests urge colleges to prioritize diversity and social mobility. Rather than chasing the absolute top achievers, they advocate for the admission of a diverse, qualified applicant pool to serve as a vehicle for broader societal advancement.
Pursuing academic excellence
On the other side of the debate, proponents of standardized tests argue that the ultimate aim of institutions should be to cultivate innovation and address significant challenges by educating the most promising students. They support standardized testing as a means of discovering those individuals who have the potential to excel as future innovators and researchers.
1-Page Summary
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- David Leonhardt discusses the current shift away from mandatory SAT/ACT tests in college admissions, largely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He highlights concerns that standardized tests may reduce diversity due to perceived biases and historical associations with racism. Leonhardt also presents evidence supporting the predictive value of SAT/ACT scores in determining academic success in college. Additionally, he mentions the legal risks associated with both using and not using standardized tests in admissions decisions.
- Legal implications of using standardized tests in college admissions include the risk of bias claims, especially concerning racial biases. If the Supreme Court rules against considering race in admissions, this could intensify scrutiny on potential biases within the admission process. On the other hand, not using standardized tests may pose risks related to colleges' ability to meet their academic excellence standards, impacting their long-term value and reputation. Both scenarios present challenges that institutions must navigate to ensure fair and effective admissions processes.
- In higher education, the debate between promoting diversity and social mobility versus pursuing academic excellence revolves around whether colleges should prioritize admitting a diverse pool of qualified students to advance societal equity or focus on educating the most academically promising individuals to drive innovation and address challenges. Advocates for diversity argue that colleges should prioritize inclusivity to uplift underrepresented groups and foster a more equitable society. On the other hand, proponents of academic excellence emphasize the importance of identifying and nurturing top-performing students to drive innovation and maintain the institution's reputation for producing high-achieving graduates.
Counterarguments
- Standardized tests may not be inherently biased, but rather reflect existing inequalities in education and socioeconomic status.
- Test-optional policies could lead to other forms of bias in admissions, as more subjective criteria are used.
- Predictive validity of standardized tests for academic success may not account for all forms of intelligence and potential.
- Legal risks associated with standardized testing could be mitigated through transparent and equitable testing practices.
- Academic excellence and diversity are not mutually exclusive, and a balance can be achieved through holistic admissions processes.
- The pursuit of diversity and social mobility in higher education should not come at the expense of academic standards.
- Identifying promising students is not solely dependent on standardized test scores, and other measures can be used to assess potential.
- The focus on standardized testing may overlook the value of non-cognitive skills that are crucial for success in college and beyond.
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Fairness versus excellence in college admissions
The contentious debate over the use of standardized tests in college admissions pits concerns about diversity against the pursuit of academic excellence.
The debate over requiring SAT/ACT tests
David Leonhardt explains the current tension between a standardized test system and a test-optional system, emphasizing that most U.S. colleges have stopped requiring the SATs and ACTs. The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the accessibility of standardized tests, leading to a widespread adoption of test-optional policies.
Concerns that tests reduce diversity
Leonhardt acknowledges that there is ongoing criticism from the political left regarding standardized tests, viewing them as detrimental to diversity in college admissions. Critics argue that the disparities in SAT scores along racial and economic lines indicate a bias in the test, and a history of racist sentiment among some of its designers.
Evidence that tests predict academic success
Despite the concerns, Leonhardt presents data suggesting that SAT/ACT scores are good predictors of a student's potential academic success in college, especially at the most selective institutions. These scores also correlate with the types of graduate schools a student may attend, indicating overall college success.
Legal risks if tests are or aren't used
Risk of bias claims if tests are used
There are concerns about legal jeopardy when using SATs due to potential scrutiny of racial biases in admission decisions, which could be amplified following a Supreme Court decision forbidding the use of race in college admissions.
Risk of not meeting excellence goals if not used
On the other hand, if standardized tests are not used, there's a risk that institutions may not meet ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Fairness versus excellence in college admissions
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Legal risks associated with using standardized tests in college admissions primarily revolve around potential claims of bias in admission decisions, particularly concerning racial biases. The scrutiny of standardized tests for discriminatory practices could increase following legal decisions, such as a Supreme Court ruling against considering race in admissions. Institutions using these tests face the risk of legal challenges if disparities in test scores among different demographic groups are perceived as evidence of bias. Conversely, not using standardized tests may pose risks in terms of meeting academic excellence goals, potentially leading to concerns about the quality of admitted students.
- In higher education, the debate between promoting diversity and pursuing academic excellence revolves around whether colleges should prioritize admitting a diverse pool of qualified students or focus on selecting the most academically accomplished individuals. Critics of standardized testing argue that emphasizing diversity can enhance social mobility and provide opportunities to a wider range of students. On the other hand, proponents of academic excellence through standardized testing believe that identifying the most capable students is crucial for fostering innovation and addressing complex societal challenges. This debate highlights the tension between the goals of inclusivity and meritocracy in college admissions.
- Standardized test scores, like the SAT or ACT, are used by colleges as one of many factors to predict a student's potential academic success in college. These scores provide a standardized measure of a student's academic abilities and readiness for higher education. While they are not the sole determinant of success, research shows a correlation between higher test scores and better academic performance in college, especially at more selective institutions. However, it's important to consider other factors like high school grades, extracurricular activities, and personal essays in the admissions process for a more holistic evaluation of a student's potential.
- Standardized tests like the SAT and ACT have faced criticism for their historical ties to eugenics movements in the early 20th century, where there were efforts to use testing to justify discriminatory practices. Critics argue that these tests have perpetu ...
Counterarguments
- Test-optional policies may not necessarily lead to increased diversity, as other factors like high school GPA and extracurricular activities can also reflect socioeconomic disparities.
- The predictive validity of standardized tests for academic success may not account for all the skills and attributes that contribute to a student's success in college and beyond.
- The argument that standardized tests are biased could be countered by the fact that the tests are regularly reviewed and updated to mitigate bias and reflect a broad range of educational backgrounds.
- Legal risks associated with using standardized tests could be mitigated by implementing holistic admissions processes that consider a wide range of student achievements and backgrounds.
- The pursuit of academic excellence does not have to be at odds with diversity; a diverse student body can enhance the learning environment and contribute to excellence.
- The focus on admitting the "most capable" students based on standardized tests may overlook the potential of students who excel in ...
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