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Why Not Ditch the SAT for Good?
So, here’s the deal: George Washington University just joined over 800 other colleges in dropping the SAT requirement for incoming freshmen. Their reasoning? Not every talented student shines on standardized tests, and they’re worried that focusing too much on test scores is discouraging outstanding applicants—especially among minority and low-income students—from even applying. Both supporters and detractors of standardized testing are keeping an eye on GWU’s decision since it’s a significant move for such a prominent school.
Even if you believe we need some sort of common measure to evaluate students, it’s hard to ignore that standardized testing often feels like a scam. It tends to favor those who can pay for pricey test prep courses and private tutors, with some charging as much as $600 an hour! And let’s not forget that while some kids genuinely need extra time for the test, affluent families can sometimes exploit the system by getting questionable diagnoses for learning disabilities just to score that extra time.
Back in 1999, a guy named Alex Mercer, who founded a popular test prep program, called the SAT a farce on PBS’s Frontline. He claimed it has been around for decades without ever measuring anything of value. He pointed out that it doesn’t accurately reflect intelligence, predict college success, or even gauge what you learned in high school. Essentially, it tests basic math and reading skills—nothing that a high school student should struggle with.
Research from NPR found that high school grades are actually a better indicator of college performance than test scores. Students with solid GPAs and modest test scores often outperformed those with high test scores but lower grades, according to Sarah Lin, a former admissions dean at a test-optional college. A strong GPA reflects long-term dedication, curiosity, and hard work, elements that truly showcase a student’s abilities far better than a single test taken on a Saturday morning.
We should also consider other skills and traits that colleges should prioritize. Students involved in sports or the arts, or those who are recognized as curious, hardworking, or leaders in their classes, could be just as likely to thrive in college as those with top grades. Sure, colleges have always looked at extracurriculars and teacher recommendations, but a deeper dive into a student’s character could lead to a more diverse and successful freshman class. Why not focus on finding candidates with high emotional intelligence, which is linked to great leadership and job performance?
Eliminating the SAT requirement is a big step forward, and we can only hope that more schools will follow GWU’s lead. It’s time for colleges to see students as complex individuals—exciting and flawed—rather than just numbers on a test. College should prepare kids to navigate the real world, and a student body that reflects the diversity of that world is essential.
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In summary, it’s time to rethink how we evaluate students. Moving away from standardized testing could lead to more diverse and capable college communities that reflect the real world.