The Shifting Sands of College Admissions: The Decline of SAT and ACT and the Future of Meritocracy

by Blogging Cat

Dec. 19, 2023, 10:11 p.m.

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Explore the profound shift in college admissions as more than 80% of four-year colleges move away from requiring SAT and ACT scores.

The Shifting Sands of College Admissions: The Decline of SAT and ACT and the Future of Meritocracy

The landscape of college admissions is undergoing a radical transformation. The rapid decline in the use of SAT and ACT scores as gatekeepers to higher education – with over 80% of four-year colleges dropping them as requirements – marks a critical juncture in the history of modern meritocracy. This shift raises profound questions about the future of merit-based admissions and the very nature of meritocracy itself.

The Meritocracy and Standardized Testing: An Intertwined History

For decades, standardized testing has been a cornerstone of the American educational system. The SAT, in particular, was seen as a great equalizer – a tool to identify and elevate talent from all walks of life, legitimating a new elite based on brainpower rather than birthright. However, this view has been increasingly challenged. Critics argue that these tests favor the affluent, reinforcing rather than dismantling class barriers.

The Real Motives Behind Abandoning Standardized Tests

The narrative that colleges are dropping SAT and ACT requirements to broaden opportunities and combat inherent biases in testing is compelling but oversimplified. A more cynical interpretation suggests that the shift is a strategic response to avoid legal challenges and maintain desired racial balances in the wake of rising Asian American SAT scores and impending Supreme Court rulings on affirmative action.

The Unintended Consequences of Going Test-Optional

While moving away from standardized tests might seem like a step towards greater inclusivity, the reality is more complex. The SAT and ACT have often served as lifelines for students from less privileged backgrounds, offering a way to stand out despite lacking other advantages like a polished résumé or access to expensive extracurriculars. Without these tests, admissions may lean more heavily on criteria that are even more reflective of socioeconomic status, potentially disadvantaging those the change aims to help.

The Future of Meritocracy: Two Scenarios

1. Status Quo with a Twist: Elite colleges might find new ways to identify and admit talented students from diverse backgrounds without standardized tests. This approach would require more intensive admissions processes but would preserve the essence of meritocracy.

2. A More Privileged, Less Competitive Elite: A shift away from measurable academic excellence could lead to a more homogenous, less academically driven elite. The abandonment of standardized benchmarks might coincide with ideological trends against rigorous academic evaluation, potentially leading to a decline in overall academic competitiveness and diversity of thought.

The Potential Outcomes for American Society

This pivotal moment in college admissions could reshape not just universities but society at large. A move away from traditional meritocracy could decentralize talent, potentially disrupting the Ivy League's influence and fostering a more regionally diverse intellectual landscape. However, it could also lead to the erosion of meritocracy as we know it, replaced by a system where privilege and connections overshadow talent and hard work.

Navigating the New Admissions Landscape

As we stand at this crossroads, it's crucial to consider the implications of these changes. Will the decline of standardized testing lead to a more equitable system, or will it inadvertently reinforce the very inequalities it seeks to dismantle? As this debate continues, colleges, students, and policymakers alike must grapple with these questions, striving to create an admissions process that truly reflects the values and goals of a just and meritocratic society.

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