In a significant move, George Mason University recently joined over 800 other four-year colleges in dropping the SAT as a requirement for freshman admissions. The reasoning behind this decision is clear: not every academically gifted student excels in standardized tests, and the reliance on SAT scores may discourage many promising candidates—especially those from minority and low-income backgrounds—from applying. This shift has garnered attention from both supporters and critics of standardized testing, as GWU is among the most prestigious institutions to make such a change.
Even if you believe we need a uniform way to evaluate students, it’s hard to ignore the fact that the standardized testing industry often seems skewed in favor of affluent students who can afford pricey preparation courses and private tutoring (some costing as much as $600 per hour). Additionally, while some students genuinely need accommodations like extra time, there are instances where privileged families exploit the system by obtaining questionable diagnoses for learning disabilities to gain an unfair advantage on the SAT.
As early as 1999, education expert Laura Henderson pointed out the inherent flaws of the SAT, calling it essentially meaningless. “The SAT has been around for decades, yet it fails to accurately measure intelligence or predict college success,” she stated. Numerous studies support this claim, including one from NPR revealing that high school grades are much better indicators of college performance than test scores. William Hiss, the former Dean of Admissions at Bates College—a school that does not require standardized testing—found that students with solid grades and average test scores often outperformed those with high test scores but lower grades.
A high GPA serves as robust evidence of a student’s diligence, intellectual curiosity, and commitment, offering a deeper insight into their capabilities than a single test taken under pressure. Beyond grades, colleges should also consider students’ diverse talents and characteristics. For instance, a student engaged in sports or the arts, described as tenacious or a leader by teachers, may be just as likely to thrive in college as someone with stellar grades. While colleges have traditionally considered extracurricular activities and recommendations, a more nuanced evaluation of each student’s unique personality could lead to a freshman class that is not only more diverse but also equally prepared for success.
Why focus solely on the “superstars” when there are countless “regular” students with significant accomplishments in various areas? Why not seek out candidates with high emotional intelligence, which is linked to strong leadership and job performance skills? Current college admissions processes tend to overly emphasize standardized tests and rigid grades, while truly understanding a student’s potential requires a more complex approach.
Removing the SAT requirement is a monumental step forward. Let’s hope that more institutions follow George Mason University’s lead and re-evaluate their admissions criteria. Moreover, this could be an opportunity for colleges to appreciate students as vibrant, multifaceted individuals who bring diverse experiences and backgrounds. College should equip students for real-world challenges, and a student body reflecting the richness of society will only enhance that experience.
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Summary
The recent decision by George Mason University to eliminate the SAT requirement for admissions highlights the growing recognition of the limitations of standardized testing. With evidence showing that high school grades are more indicative of college performance, it is time for colleges to adopt a more holistic approach in evaluating students, focusing on their individuality and potential rather than just test scores and grades.