Why Standardized Tests Are Still Important

For most colleges, standardized tests such as the SAT, ACT, and AP’s are one component of the college admissions review process. Most recently many schools have chosen to also provide a “test-optional” admission policy. Over the last several years many colleges have seen an increase in applications due to several factors such as college rankings, the ease of electronic submissions, the Common Application (where students fill out one application for several schools), and the increased competition from international students. Colleges like receiving applications not only for the revenue it drives but as a means to increase the quality of their student body. Standardized testing is an efficient and quick way to determine qualified applicants, especially for highly selective schools. Attending a more selective school is seen as being more prestigious since a smaller number of applicants can get in. The supply is lower, therefore more desirable. Selectivity is calculated by comparing the number of people who apply to a school to the number of people they accept. The bigger the disparity in the number, the more selective the school. A school that receives 10,000 applications and lets in 1,000 people is more selective than a college that receives 10,000 and lets in 5,000.

For many schools, the use of standardized testing has become less important, while other aspects of the application like GPA, extracurricular activities, and sports are being given more value. GPA and other differentiating factors can vary wildly depending on the school. While standardized tests may not represent the student fully, they can be used as one aspect of admissions.