After American colleges and universities began waiving the standardized test requirements by a landslide in response to the quarantine and test center closures, one may think that the standardized tests are done. Indeed, many universities consider abandoning standardized tests altogether, once the pandemic is over.
However, there are schools that want tests back. Why?
The Academic Senate of the University of California (the faculty assembly) reported a 51-0 vote to keep standardized tests as an admission requirement for at least five years.
While voting to eliminate SAT and ACT essays, the faculty members believe that tests actually help disadvantaged students gain entry in selective universities. Extensive research suggests that SAT and ACT results are heavily influenced by race, income and parents' education level. However, a study conducted by the UC faculty at the request of the university president over the past year insists that the admissions algorithm at UC "substantially corrects the socioeconomic bias" by considering other factors in a comprehensive review.
That said, some of the UC faculty challenge the study findings and argue that there have been methodological errors.
The Assembly voted to retain the standardized test requirement and revisit the issue after five years. The decision is supported by some of the student organizations, including UC Merced that expressed a concern that privileged students would benefit from eliminating standardized tests, as their high school grades are statistically higher because of better access to Advanced Placement courses.
Based on the opinion of the Academic Senate, the UC president will draft a recommendation to the UC Board of Regents that will vote on the matter next month.
