The chapter explores the ongoing debate surrounding the SAT test in college admissions, focusing on issues of fairness, bias, and diversity. It discusses the impact of test preparation advantages, multiple test attempts, and the relationship between test scores and academic success. The conversation also considers alternative approaches to standardized testing and the trade-offs between selectiveness and diversity in university admissions.
Many colleges during the pandemic decided to make their applications test-optional, but new research has elite colleges rethinking that policy. Those in favor of reinstating say the SAT is the best way to bring talented students from all socioeconomic levels into the fold. Those against it say it favors the affluent and argue that admissions decisions should be based on a holistic, more inclusive review that considers a wide range of factors Now we debate: Should Elite Universities Reinstate the SAT?
Arguing Yes: John Friedman, Professor and Chair of the Economics Department at Brown University
Arguing No: Ben Nelson, Founder of Minerva University
Emmy award-winning journalist John Donvan moderates
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