Testing or not testing – what does it mean as a selection vector? And who might be most impacted? This is my perspective -
Most colleges pre-COVID-19 had a mandatory requirement to submit SAT I or ACT scores. Some required SAT II tests as well. Removing this mandatory requirement will allow students to apply to colleges without any stress. This is clear.
However, TESTS (SAT I or ACT, SAT II’s etc.) are just one of the assessment vectors used currently. The other vectors are GPA, Extra curriculars (leadership, varsity sports, key clubs, competitions, awards), Essays, LORs, etc.
In countries like India, historically testing was the only criteria the colleges used to assess if the student could be admitted or not. (not sure if this has changed now)
In United States, however this was not the case. Most colleges followed a holistic way of assessment and considered all of the above vectors combined as a whole to figure out if a student is worth admitting or not.
I feel, the competition itself will not change for students irrespective of using tests as a vector. The colleges which are historically competitive will now still assess students based on what other criterion in their profile. This is true pre or post COVID-19.
Type A
Students who are strong test takers have benefitted from testing the most. These kids usually have taken SAT II as well as SAT/ACT tests already and scored well before end of junior year. Infact, these students will submit their test results whether these are required by the colleges or not (test optional) even post COVID-19.
Type B
Students who have previously written tests and have not scored well and wanted to take the tests this summer may not be able to do so due to COVID-19. These students may decide not to submit their test scores at all.
Type C
Also, students who procrastinated and did not take tests at all so far, now have no way of completing this requirement. These students now do not need to worry about tests at all.
Both Type B & C categories are likely to benefit if colleges remove this as a selection vector for admission. Out of these two categories, there could be some students who have other ECs (key clubs, leadership, competitive sports, awards etc.) and not having a testing requirement may not impact their application at all.
Now the remaining category of kids (not strong test takes or not having strong ECs) will still need to compete with the rest using the assessment vectors they have such as - GPA, Essays and LORs. These students probably do the same whether testing was an assessment vector or not.
What is most important to note is - there are lot of colleges in US (who don’t care about strong tests or ECs) where students can attend and get an education and end up with decent jobs. This has been true pre or post COVID-19!!
Senior and other Members- Do want to hear what your thoughts are on this.