The Homa Files

Universal SAT / ACT testing  “finds” talented low-income college candidates
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Recently, some name-brand colleges have announced that they would no longer require SAT or ACT test results.

The rationale: the tests may be culturally biased, dampening diversity.

Hmmm.

Taking another tack, the Brooking Institution recently published a study suggesting that diversity can be enhanced with more, not less, SAT/ACT testing.

Entrance exams (ACT or SAT ) are required for admission to virtually all selective colleges in the US.

For low-income students, that’s a hurdle to overcome.

Students have to register and pay for these tests, and then travel to a testing center on a weekend to take them.

This is straightforward, if you have internet access, a computer, a credit card, and a car.

If you are missing any of these resources, it’s a lot more challenging.

The nearest testing center may be in a suburb that is unreachable by public transportation early on a Saturday morning.

To overcome these hurdles, several states are now giving the ACT or SAT exams in school, for free, on a school day during school hours.

The benefits are two-fold …

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First, more highly-qualified low-income students get a shot at selective colleges.

Second, and perhaps more important, low-income students who are talented “at the margin” get get identified by school administrators who can provide them with extra attention and support … elevating their college consideration and helping them to navigate the application process.

The results can be dramatic.

In one Michigan-based study, the population of identified college-qualified low-income students increased by 50% once universal entrance testing was implemented.

These “hidden gems” previously just fell by the wayside.

Now, they stand a chance ….

Bottom line: “Universal and free testing can help to level the playing field, uncovering disadvantaged students who can benefit from college.”

I say: Go for it.

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This entry was posted on August 2, 2018 at 6:59 am and is filed under College Admissions. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.