Why Standardized Testing Should Not Be Used In College Admissions?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Because of the inaccurate indications of students’ academic abilities and overall persona, as well as the role that wealth plays into scores, standardized testing should not be used in college admissions. It is too unfair for it to be a true asset to students’ applications.

Why are students given standardized tests?

In order to narrow these vast disparities we need standardized assessments. They provide a clear way to measure how well our school systems serve kids most at risk . The information we get from those tests gives states and school districts the data they need to create more equitable systems.

Why are standardized tests used in college admissions?

Standardized testing provides critical data on underserved groups that help identify achievement gaps, target areas for growth and increase college readiness . School administrators cannot fix what they do not see. Standardized testing provides a valuable window into student outcomes.

What is standardized testing in college admissions?

College admission tests, like the SAT, are standardized tests typically taken in your junior or senior year . Colleges use scores from these tests to help them make admission decisions. Each college has its own admission processes and policies, and they use scores differently.

Do standardized tests really reveal student knowledge?

According to a Concordia University blog, these tests do not advance critical thinking skills and lack in providing the best evidence of a students’ knowledge and level of performance in a certain subject area.

What are the negative effects of standardized testing?

Negative consequences include the loss of valuable opportunities to learn due to testing preparation , the narrowing of curriculum to focus on tested standards, and the stigmatization of students and schools as failing or in need of intervention based on faulty interpretations of what test scores actually mean.

Do colleges look at standardized test scores?

According to Time Magazine, colleges look at more than an applicant’s mere standardized test scores . Specifically, colleges examine each applicant’s overall GPA, coursework, extracurricular activities, and the entry essay.

Does standardized testing prepare students for college?

Standardized Tests Prepare Students for College

Tests like the ACT and SAT give students the chance to show they are smart and motivated, so they will not be judged on their high schools when applying for college. And passing some specific standardized tests is required to gain entry to some degree programs.

Why are the SATs bad?

The Problem Transcends Class: ACTs and SATs are Racially Biased . And not only do standardized tests show their bias financially, they show it racially too. ... Some have cited lower income and less affluent areas as the cause for the lower test scores.

Do standardized tests predict college success?

Standardized tests are the best predictor of a student’s first-year success, retention and graduation . The value of admissions test scores in predicting college success has increased since 2007, while the value of grades has decreased, due in part to high school grade inflation and different grading standards.

Should standardized test be eliminated?

Staff Writer Yahya Ibrahimi writes that standardized tests should no longer be offered as they are unfair, expensive and create undue stress on students. Learning encompasses many different aspects and every student learns differently. ...

What colleges are not requiring SAT for 2022?

  • Adelphi University: Test-Optional for 2022.
  • Agnes Scott College: Test-Optional permanently.
  • Albertus Magnus College: Test-Optional permanently.
  • Albion College: Test-Optional for 2022.

Do tests reveal student knowledge?

Comparing average scores between schools and districts is possible only because the same test is done . In measuring what students know, tests are a tremendous asset, providing important and reliable information that cannot be learned in other ways.

Do standardized test prove intelligence?

Standardized tests are supposed to be a general measure of intelligence, however, intelligence shouldn’t be measured by how you score on a test. Intelligence should be measured by how a person is able to solve real-world problems and the skills they have.

Why are standardized tests unfair?

Standardized test scores have a problematic correlation with family income, gender and race and ethnicity . ... Test scores are a lazy sorting mechanism. The mistaken assumption has been made that, since most students take these tests, they’re a good way to compare the academic abilities of applicants.

Do standardized test do more harm than good?

According to a 2001 study published by the Brookings Institution, 50-80 percent of test score improvements were temporary and “caused by fluctuations that had nothing to do with long-term changes in learning...” ...

Emily Lee
Author
Emily Lee
Emily Lee is a freelance writer and artist based in New York City. She’s an accomplished writer with a deep passion for the arts, and brings a unique perspective to the world of entertainment. Emily has written about art, entertainment, and pop culture.