Optional Standardized Testing

The Benefits of Optional Standardized Testing
Students with higher grades and modest test scores did better in college than students with lower grades and higher test scores (Sheffer). This proves that grades are more accurate predictors of a student's academic success. There are many benefits of making standardized tests optional or not requiring them at all. Standardized tests are a biased way of measuring academic talent. Although the College Board believes the SAT is a good predictor of academic success, this method of testing should be optional for students, as high school GPAs are better reflections on a student’s work ethics and future success in a school setting also not requiring standardized tests for college admittance increases
Reliance on the SAT in college admissions favors white and wealthier applicants (Jaschik). Students of families with an income of $0-$20,000 got an average score of 1326, while students of families with an income of $200,000+ got an average score of 1714 (Balf). Wealthy families can afford expensive test-prep classes and tutors (Balf). No only are lower class students disadvantaged by this but discrepancies have been found in the grading process. Longer essays have resulted in higher scores even if the content was not written well (Balf). Many feel that there is no real preparation for standardized tests in school. These test are supposed to be related to what the students are already learning but many feel unprepared without further studying. Teachers feel standardized tests are not based on class activities, but SAT scores at many high schools were published by state education departments; this caused teachers to be blamed for poor scores (Balf). All students should be prepared to take standardized tests without more studying outside of school. If intelligence is being measured with standardized tests, than students should be learning more about the content of these tests in school. Since everyone can not afford to study outside of school, standardized tests are a tainted and inaccurate way of measuring
Based on College Board research, the SAT is a fair test for all students (“Validity Studies”). This is a very biased opinion since the College Board creates and alters the SAT. A University of CA study showed the SAT scores were slightly more predictive than GPAs (“Validity Studies”). However, only .05% of a GPA point set submitters and non-submitters apart. The difference in college graduation rates was just .6% (Sheffer). With the SAT only being “slightly” more predictive, it is clearly not as decisive as it should be. The College Board also claims the SAT is a strong predictor of first year success (“Validity Studies”). This may be true but what about the other three years assuming the student even stays in school. Grades are the only way to determine the probability of a student’s full four year college success because they show long term