By Ella Mahan
Opinion Editor
Due to the immense impact of COVID-19, there have been shifts in the SAT college entrance exam. The optional essay portion of the exam has been removed, as well as the SAT subject tests. In addition, UC schools have decided to go test-blind for students applying to college in the fall of 2021, meaning they will not accept any standardized test scores. However, according to the UC system, they are planning to implement their own test by 2025.
According to College Board, the idea of getting rid of the essay section of the test was already being considered, and the pandemic only hastened the process. These shifts in the SAT testing style will benefit students.
David Coleman, the chief executive officer of the College Board, headed the elimination of SAT subject tests. According to College Board, some critics claimed that the reason for the cut was financial, but Coleman stated that the elimination of the subject tests was to eliminate student stress.
Many of the exams appeared to be redundant and increased anxiety levels of students already under immense pressure. While some may disagree, getting rid of the subject tests will allow students to focus their energy on just the SAT and AP exams, rather than having to focus on multiple tests, according to ABC News.
According to Coleman, with already high stress levels due to the college application process, the elimination of the SAT subject tests will reduce pressure for students, potentially benefiting their overall mental health.
In addition to the removal of subject tests, the optional essay part of the SAT college entrance exam was dropped. With applications to college already being largely based off of personal statements and essays, the essay portion of the SAT appears redundant. By removing the essay portion, students can focus on the standardized test itself, according to ABC News. This will allow students more time to study and practice for just the SAT, instead of having to add on an essay as well.
Because the College Board did not create a test that could be taken online, many colleges dropped their requirements for standardized test scores, according to Huffpost. This decision will benefit students everywhere because with the pandemic, some students may feel uncomfortable or anxious with the risk of contracting COVID-19 while taking the standardized test, according to College Board.
In addition to concerns for the safety of students, colleges believed that without the requirement of SAT or ACT scores, the college admissions process would be much fairer, according to the College Board. Students that are unable to pay for tutoring and guidance may be put at a disadvantage compared to wealthier families who pay for college counselors and ACT or
SAT tutoring, according to CNBC. The shifts in the SAT are beneficial for students, and these changes were long overdue.
According to College Board, with the new adjustments, the college admissions process will become much fairer and provide a more accurate gage of student intelligence. According to CNBC, anxiety will decrease and the gap between disadvantaged students and those who can afford private counselors will be reduced.
The College Board’s decision to remove the optional essay portion of the SAT exam and discard subject tests will benefit all students, as student stress levels decrease and the college admissions process becomes much fairer.
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