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Pros & Cons of Standardized Testing for College Admissions

A blackboard with numbers 1-3 to list pros and cons.

Debates around standardized testing have been around for as long as standardized test scores have been part of education in the United States. Some argue that students undergo too much testing: by their high schools, by the state, for college admissions, etc. Others argue that standardized tests, such as the SAT and the ACT, are the only fair way to evaluate student achievement when educational standards can vary widely from one school to another.

During the past seventy-five years, arguments about the value of the SAT and the ACT have not eliminated these tests. Yet, these tests have changed. The SAT, for instance, was originally intended to be an IQ test, a perfect encapsulation of a student’s intelligence. Now, college admissions officers know that an SAT score is not the fullpicture of a high school student’s abilities. It’s just one piece among many they can use to evaluate applicants.

Nevertheless, knowing some of the pros and cons of standardized testing can help you better understand the American education system as a whole and how to approach it.

 

The Evolution and Impact of Standardized Testing in Education

Since its inception, standardized testing has significantly evolved, reflecting educational trends and societal expectations. Over the decades, standardized testing data has provided insights into the effectiveness of our education programs, allowing educators to analyze student academic performance across diverse demographics, which is vital for student development.

This assessment approach has become a cornerstone of United States educational reforms, particularly with initiatives like No Child Left Behind and Common Core, which sought to establish accountability in educational outcomes. However, this reliance on testing data has also led to important consequences, such as teaching to the test, which can dilute the overall educational experience. As we continue to navigate the complexities of standardized assessments, it’s essential to assess their role in shaping educational policies and outcomes critically.

Standardized test data provides valuable insights for schools to evaluate the effectiveness of their education programs and make data-driven decisions for improvement, helping to track student achievement trends and identify areas needing attention. However, it is also important to consider the limitations of standardized testing, such as potential bias in test questions and the pressure it puts on students to perform well.

 

The Pros of Standardized Testing for College Admissions

Below are some of the major arguments in favor of standardized testing. Schools, colleges, and states that require standardized testing generally believe these to be true, even though they are also aware of some of the downsides.

Pro #1: Standardized Testing Is Fair

This is probably the most prominent argument proponents of standardized testing, using the SAT or ACT for college admissions, make: it’s fair.

The tests are designed to be taken under uniform conditions, providing an equal opportunity for all students to demonstrate their academic abilities. In this context, standardized test scores serve as a measure of educational performance that is not influenced by factors such as the school they attend or the resources available in their community.

Advocates of standardized testing also emphasize the objectivity and consistency of these assessments. By using a standardized format and scoring system, these tests aim to provide colleges and universities with a reliable way to evaluate applicants from diverse backgrounds. This can help institutions make more informed decisions about selecting students for admission.

Supporters argue that these assessments help ensure accountability in education. By establishing clear benchmarks, standardized tests encourage schools and educators to maintain high academic standards and strive for continuous improvement. Additionally, standardized testing can provide valuable data on student progress and learning outcomes, which can be used to identify areas for intervention and support.

While critics raise valid concerns about standardized testing’s limitations and potential biases, proponents believe these assessments are crucial in promoting fairness, transparency, and rigor in college admissions.

Pro #2: It Creates a Universal Standard for Education

The obvious purpose of standardized testing is to create a standard. Proponents argue that some examinations outside of school curricula—which can vary widely by school district—can help an education system better compare students from very different backgrounds because all students answered the same set of questions. By measuring students against that universal standard, it becomes easier to evaluate and rank them.

Pro #3: It Holds Teachers and Students Accountable

In the same way standardized tests provide a standard to measure students for higher education, they can also help set more extensive educational standards for schools across a state or country. Standardized tests make educational initiatives like No Child Left Behind or the Common Core more concrete by checking students’ academic progress. If students in particular school districts struggle to perform at grade level, superintendents and governments know to get involved.

This involvement can include additional resources, teacher support, and evaluations to ensure that educators are equipped to help students succeed. Teacher evaluations can provide valuable feedback on instructional methods and areas for improvement, ultimately benefiting both teachers and students in the long run.

Pro #4: It Reveals Analytical Progress

Standardized testing can also help standardize individual students’ educations, leading to positive student outcomes. In addition to comparing students against one another or identifying problematic schools or districts, standardized tests can also illustrate student progress over time, contributing to a deeper understanding of student knowledge.

Taking the same or similar tests over the years can allow students to indicate measurable improvement and showcase their increased knowledge and skills.

Pro #5: It Provides an Inclusive Opportunity

Standardized tests, such as the SAT and ACT, can give students from underperforming high schools a chance to prove that they have mastered ample academic material despite their circumstances. Because standardized tests are not tied to any one high school curriculum, they can offer an inclusive opportunity for students to highlight their successful performance. Proponents argue that standardized testing levels the playing field in public education.

Pro #6: Many Professionals Must Take High-Stakes Standardized Tests

Finally, while much of the arguing around standardized testing is focused on high school students and younger, the fact is that standardized testing is often a fact of life well beyond secondary school. Anyone who wants to become a doctor, lawyer, teacher, engineer, actuary, architect, or practitioner of another specialized profession will eventually have to excel at a standardized test. Given that, earning strong scores on standard tests indicates much more than school performance;rather, it is a skill you may need to advance your career.

 

The Cons of Standardized Testing

On the other hand, many people do not consider the SAT and ACT to be valuable or valid assessment tools for evaluating student performance. Consequently, some school systems are pushing back on things like Common Core state standards, and ever more colleges are becoming test-optional. Below you’ll find some of the main arguments against standardized testing.

Con #1: Standardized Testing Doesn’t Measure Intelligence—Only Wealth

While proponents argue that standardized tests provide an objective measure of student achievement, the data is more complicated. In fact, research suggests that the best predictor of success on the SAT is socioeconomic status rather than one’s education or grade level. Opponents of the SAT argue that this inequity arises because wealthy families have the time and money for test preparation resources and services, which implies high test scores can be purchased.

Family Income Group Yearly Income Percentage of Test Takers Total Average SAT Score
Lowest Quintile (Lowest 20%) $0 – $55,667 10% 887
Second-Lowest Quintile $55,668 – $71,991 11% 939
Middle Quintile $71,992 – $89,465 13% 981
Second-Highest Quintile $89,466 – $117,609 17% 1038
Highest Quintile >=$117,610 25% 1152

 

Source: College Board

Con #2: It Restricts Teachers’ Effectiveness and Creativity

Another primary argument is that an overreliance on test data to measure student performance negatively impacts teachers’ ability to do their jobs. Annual testing can disrupt a teacher’s curricular plan and force him or her to cover material that might be less relevant to his or her students. Similarly, many teachers find constant testing over the course of the year disruptive and unproductive to student learning.

Con #3: It Can Negatively Impact Students’ Confidence

Another argument is that standardized testing causes otherwise successful students to lose confidence in themselves and their abilities. Many students suffer from test anxiety, meaning that they do not perform at their usual level because they find the experience of test-taking so stressful. Evaluating a student’s performance only through an impartial test can also negatively affect graduation rates if low scores demoralize students.

Con #4: It Unfairly Affects Public School Funding

The impact of standardized testing data goes beyond just assessing student performance; it also plays a crucial role in determining funding for public schools. These test results are publicly available, influencing financial support for educational institutions. Unlike public schools, many private schools are not obligated to adhere to the same state and federal testing regulations, giving them more flexibility in their academic approach.

Unfortunately, public schools dealing with substantial obstacles may face repercussions if their test scores fall below expectations. Poor performance can lead to a reduction in state and federal assistance, further exacerbating the challenges these schools already encounter. This disparity in testing requirements between public and private schools highlights the complexity of the education system and its implications on resource allocation based on performance metrics.

Con #5: It’s Unfair to Certain Types of Learners

In addition to being unfair to low-income students, standardized tests often misrepresent the academic abilities of English Language Learner (ELL) students and students with special needs. Although testing accommodations exist, these tests are still designed with a particular student in mind. Opponents of standardized tests argue that anyone who deviates from that ideal, for whatever reason, is automatically at a disadvantage.

A 2023 study of standardized test results by the College Board found that average SAT scores varied dramatically based on the test-taker’s race/ethnicity:

Race/Ethnicity Percentage of Test-Takers Total Average SAT Score
American Indian/Alaska Native 1% 881
Asian 10% 1228
Black/African American 12% 907
Hispanic/Latino/a 25% 939
Native Hawaiian/ Other Pacific Islander 0% 926
White 37% 1083
Two or More Races 4% 1090
No Response 12% 949

Con #6: It Doesn’tPredict Future Success

Ideally, a standardized test would evaluate not just what a student knows already, but also his or her learning potential. After all, colleges that use the SAT and ACT do so because they want to admit students who will succeed on their campuses. But opponents of these tests point to research that suggests that, in fact, the SAT and ACT are poor predictors of student success at the undergraduate level.

 

Standardized Testing: A Look Beyond the Classroom

Standardized testing serves as a critical tool for evaluating student performance, but its implications extend far beyond the classroom walls. The data generated from standardized test results can reveal significant trends and gaps in student learning, providing educators with the necessary insights to tailor their teaching strategies. By analyzing these results, schools can identify areas in need of improvement and allocate resources effectively. Furthermore, standardized testing not only holds students accountable but also serves as a benchmark for teacher performance and curriculum effectiveness. While the tests can provide a snapshot of academic achievement, it is essential to remember that they are just one measure of student potential and should be viewed in conjunction with other forms of assessment to gain a holistic understanding of a student’s capabilities.

 

Summing Up the Role of Standardized Tests

Ultimately, students and families don’t always have much of a say in what standardized tests they do or don’t have to take. That decision is generally up to schools, school districts, college admissions offices, and graduate and professional programs. No matter where you come down on the arguments for and against standardized testing, there’s a good chance you’ll have to take a few of them throughout your education.

Nevertheless, being knowledgeable about the subject can make you a more informed and prepared test-taker. Knowing what the goals of these tests are, as well as their potential downsides, will ultimately be an advantage as you navigate the process. If you are wondering how you can start improving your grades and test scores, or if you’re looking for help designing a test prep strategy that will work for you, reach out to one of our expert admissions consultants here!

 

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