Since its inception, the SAT or (standard aptitude test) has been required for college admissions around the country. However in recent years amidst a global pandemic concerning the viral infection COVID-19, the board of regents among the nine Universities of California have decided to make the once mandatory test has now been rendered optional.
This motion was passed and over the pandemic period, colleges and universities within the confines of California have received more annual admittance from under-graduates, as per the report given by Learning English Multi-Media News.
The decision was made in correspondence with the difficulty and obstacles experienced by students while studying or preparing for college while social distancing; In fact many students have struggled to maintain the precedent that states require, or have fallen behind completely.
While admittance is at an all-time high, many scrutinize the implications of not using a standardized testing system, as one may gauge how students perform in an academic environment. Yet it’s still disputed if this justification even can be asserted in reality given how varying individuals can have different capacities for academics.
With this information in mind, how do students feel about the validity of the test, and whether or not the content within actually aids students contemplating entering a college.
Student of Sierra Pacific High School, (SPHS), Spencer Phui, when asked about the necessity of standardized testing and its benefits for college had this to say,
“I think there was a benefit as it gave me a taste of what college testing is like.”
He also added this “It might put me ahead of people who might have not taken the test because hopefully colleges will think I am a bit more qualified because I took it.”
Another student of the SPHS district, Senior, when asked to give her opinion on the recent decision regarding the SAT’s and all standardized testing related to college applications, She stated the following.
“I think it’s beneficial to those that want to get into a prestigious college”
She continues by adding, “But I will add on now that it is optional, it’s not as beneficial as before.”
These two subjective views share striking similarities, yet prolong the argument as to whether or not standardized testing such as the SAT or ACT is necessary for all applicants; or if it’s conducive to a student’s personal growth.
Despite these debates it seems that for the foreseeable future, colleges will not need SAT scores as of 2022, and possibly beyond.