The further you are in high school, the more people talk about college. College applications have become increasingly stressful and competitive following the pandemic. Since COVID-19, everyone has been asking: Should the ACT/SAT be a requirement on college applications? A majority of schools went test-optional after the pandemic, and in my opinion, they should stay that way. While these test scores can give some valuable information to the admissions offices, making them a requirement might do more harm than good.
One of the biggest issues surrounding the requirement of standardized test scores is that a student’s score, even if it is an inaccurate reflection of them as an academic, can lead to rejection from a college. Someone could be a smart and accomplished student with a successful academic career; however, if they are a bad test taker or experienced an off day while taking the exam, their score may not show that. Things like test anxiety, lack of preparation resources or even having a bad day can seriously affect a score. Meanwhile, a student’s GPA shows years of effort, not just a one-day test. Therefore, relying fully on ACT or SAT scores does not always show the full picture of what a student is capable of.
Another problem is the cost of standardized tests. Some people argue that you can just retake the test, yet it’s not free, and most don’t consider the cost of sending test scores to individual schools. Not every student can afford multiple attempts or tutoring, making the whole system feel unfair. The process can end up benefiting students who have more financial resources rather than those with the most potential.
Because of the cost and imperfections of the testing process, standardized tests shouldn’t be required for everyone. Instead, scores could be used in certain situations. For example, if a student’s GPA does not fully reflect their abilities, or if admissions decisions are close and colleges need more information, then the score should be utilized as a resource. That way, test scores are one extra piece of the puzzle instead of something that can make or break an application.
There are still valid reasons why some people think ACT and SAT scores should be used. They can give colleges a more consistent way to compare students from different schools, since grading systems can vary by the district. Also, some students benefit from submitting their scores, even if they might initially think they won’t. A strong test score can help someone stand out, especially if they attend a smaller or less recognized school. In some cases, not submitting a score could mean missing out on opportunities.
ACT and SAT scores can be helpful, but they should not be required for every student. A more flexible approach makes the process fair and gives students a better chance to show who they really are, not just how they perform on one test.
