The Messy Fight Over the SAT

The SATs and Diversity in College Admissions

Many American colleges have stopped requiring standardized tests like the SATs, on the theory that they hurt diversity. However, recent research suggests that colleges may have made a mistake. Standardized tests, such as the SATs, are seen as an enemy of diversity, primarily due to concerns about bias and the advantage wealthier students have in terms of test prep. However, new data indicates that standardized tests are not as tilted towards the wealthy as previously thought, and other factors in the college admissions process, such as extracurricular activities and personal recommendations, have bigger economic and racial gaps. Moreover, studies have shown that the SATs are a good predictor of academic success and future achievement. Some colleges, like MIT, have reinstated the SAT requirement and have successfully admitted diverse classes while utilizing the test as one of many factors.