Standardized Testing in College Admissions: Profile of a Conscientious Objector

Sylvie Baldwin discusses why she chose to apply to both Test Optional and Non-Test Optional Universities.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• Lawrence
• University
• Education
• Admissions
• Test
• Optional
• Sylvie
• Baldwin

[collegecomm375]

Yes, it's true that not taking any of the standardized tests puts her qualification for many scholarships in jeopardy. But in this time when we are more aware of income and opportunity equality than ever before, it's refreshing to see that these tests are being called into question. The course work in high school is tougher and more complex than ever before, and being a current undergraduate myself, I found that my courses prepared me better than that SAT could ever have.

[ctchew1]

What a wonderful strong voice against the nonsense of testing, in particular the SAT which has never been shown to be an accurate predictor of college or life success.

[shelleyq]

Need more information about the growing list of colleges that have moved away from their reliance on standardized testing in their admissions process? Search for "Fair Test." See also Wake Forest's blog on Rethinking Admissions. The schools that have gone test-optional and done the research are usually willing to share their results and insights. @butwait on Twitter

[mitsmurphey]

Bravo Sylvie! And Lawrence University! Life experience and teacher expertise should not be trumped by test scores. Hopefully more students will also make stands and push more universities to considered non-test options. Yes, it will complicate admissions procedures (deciding on a test score is sooo easy, but mostly it avoids responsibility for being human). We need more ice on over-heated testing worldwide. (See a similar video called "The real voice of Japanese students".)

[jazz61021]

Many high quality small colleges and universities do have the time to thoughtfully consider the merits of each interested person. Traditionally they probably never did adhere to the numbers' game only for their decisions, but place emphases on other in-school, and out-of school organizations, activities, scholarly accomplishments, and socially conscious involvement such as Sylvie is doing.

[CasuallyObservant]

Of course, to all of the colleges and universities applicants ARE just numbers. They really have no other objective way to make a selection for admittance. They want to see an overall look at you and your grades, academic standing, test scores and resume. How else are they supposed to do it? Sylvie don't be silly. Go take the darn test!

[CasuallyObservant]

Well, maybe Sylvie should consider that her conscientous objection to taking this test is going to result in her losing out, perhaps on a scholarship or admittance to a preferred college. What she should consider, especially if she is a bright student who probably would do well, is take the test, get the high score and get her degree and then go out and save the world. I think she is fearful (perhaps wrongly) that she will not do well and she can't bear to have that on her permanent record.

[PreCollegeCoach]

According to a recent Princeton study, students who do NOT submit their test scores would have scores - according to these colleges - that are 100-150 points lower than those who do submit. Who's kidding whom? These colleges assume the worse of students who do not submit their scores. Period