This week, Dartmouth University announced the return of mandatory SAT scores for their class of 2029 admissions cycle. The school says the move will help less-advantaged students, but USC students disagree.
After being test-optional for almost four years, the decision comes amid a post-pandemic world. In June 2020, the University followed a long line of other higher education schools in removing the requirement. But now, current high school juniors will be required to take the Scholastic Aptitude Test and submit scores by next year’s application deadline.
In a study published by Dartmouth University in January, professors said the SAT is essential in determining a potential student’s admission. They said that bringing back standardized testing will only aid students with disadvantaged backgrounds.
“Importantly, these test scores better position Admissions to identify high-achieving less-advantaged applicants and high-achieving applicants who attend high schools for which Dartmouth has less information to interpret the transcripts,” said Dartmouth professors Elizabeth Cascio, Bruce Sacerdote, Doug Staiger and Michele Tine in a statement.
The study said that the test is an accurate reflection of the student’s academic achievements once they become a college student. It argued that it is an even more accurate prediction than a GPA.
USC announced in 2020 that standardized test scores would be optional for undergraduates applying for the 2021-2022 academic year and has since extended that policy through the 2024-2025 academic year. The university said on Wednesday that it is still researching the policy regarding mandatory SAT/ACT scores.
Tim Brunold, USC Dean of Admission said in a statement to Annenberg Media, “We are not yet ready to reach any final conclusions about the efficacy of this approach, our initial observations and analysis give us confidence that the [current] policy has supported our prospective student and applicant population through the challenges of the COVID pandemic.”
“Further, the quality and diversity of our incoming student cohorts have been impressive, and we are seeing expected outcomes in academic performance and student persistence at USC,” Brunold said.
Some USC students voiced concerns for the future of college admissions as colleges like Dartmouth returned to requiring standardized testing scores. Students denied the efficacy of standardized tests as a measurement of ability, but rather one of class.
“When I applied, I didn’t use my SAT score and I don’t think it’s very necessary just because some people don’t test as well as others,” said accounting major Joselyn Wyatt. “I don’t think they should bring it back just because it will make it much harder to get into schools that I think students deserve to go to.”
A study conducted by a Harvard-based organization found that students from wealthier backgrounds score higher than those of low-income backgrounds. Students from low-income backgrounds were also significantly less likely to take a standardized test.
“I think that the issue between standardized testing is an issue of class,” American studies major Alissa Silva said. “A lot of people who have the money, their parents pay to have them study and prep,” Silva said. “It’s really inaccessible for low-income families. So I think they should keep that in mind.”
Standardized tests cost $60 to register for, and there are additional costs for study materials and tutoring. The average cost of tutoring can range from $40 to $200 per hour. The registration fee is another deterrent from retaking the test in hopes of a higher score.
Those are just some of the reasons USC student Jose Romo said bringing back the SAT requirement is a “bad idea.”
“It’s quite known that affluent schools have more access to test prep,” Romo said. “For students who go to private schools, it will be easier for them to prepare for these SATs/ACTs.”
Mandatory standardized test scores will continue to be researched and debated amongst scholars and students alike.
This is USC’s fourth year piloting a test optional admission policy. It remains to be seen how many more are to come.