Generations of American teens have long faced the pressure of taking the SAT, a standardized college admissions test with a controversial history of bias and criticism. The test has been seen as a barrier to entry into the American meritocracy, reducing students to a mere test score. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, many prestigious universities suspended their standardized testing requirements, raising hopes for a more equitable college admissions process. Despite this, a majority of US colleges and universities will still not require testing for 2025 admissions, leading to a splintering of admissions policies post-pandemic and reigniting the debate surrounding the necessity of the SAT.
Criticism of the SAT stems from its racist and classist origins, developed by a eugenicist who believed in measuring innate student intelligence. While the College Board has claimed that the test now measures specific content knowledge rather than inherent aptitude, questions remain about the need for high-stakes testing in college admissions. The National Education Association has raised concerns about the SAT and its counterpart, the ACT, playing too significant a role in the admissions process, potentially overlooking students’ holistic abilities and capabilities beyond a test score.
The rise of a lucrative test prep industry in the United States highlights the emphasis on high SAT scores and the disparities that exist within the education system. Wealthier students may have access to opportunities and resources that give them an advantage in the college application process, while students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds may lack these experiences. The SAT’s longevity is attributed to its effectiveness in predicting college performance, as shown in studies that compare the GPA outcomes of students with similar test scores from different socioeconomic backgrounds.
Despite efforts to make college admissions more equitable by moving away from standardized testing, several schools have recently reinstated their testing requirements, citing the SAT’s ability to identify students who would succeed in their institutions. Education experts argue that a lack of standardization in the American education system necessitates a method for comparing students, which standardized tests like the SAT provide. Without a standardized K-12 system, colleges rely on tests like the SAT to make admissions decisions.
The historical development of standardized testing in the United States, including the origin and evolution of the SAT, reflects a broader trend in education towards assessment and comparison of student achievement. The SAT has undergone numerous changes over the years, from scoring metrics to content adjustments, with the most recent shift towards a fully digital format. Despite criticisms of bias and cultural relevance in the exam, the College Board has worked to address these issues and provide equitable test-taking experiences for all students.
Efforts by the College Board to increase access to the SAT, such as fee waivers, free test prep materials, and the SAT School Day program, aim to promote equity in standardized testing. Administering the test in familiar environments and offering accommodations for different types of test-takers may help reduce the stress associated with the SAT experience. The ongoing evolution of the SAT reflects a broader conversation around standardized testing and its role in college admissions, highlighting the complexities and challenges of creating a fair and equitable system for all students.
