The future of college applications

Hampshire College’s policy to refuse SAT and ACT scores in the application process may represent the future of the college application process. Although some colleges may argue that standardized testing creates an intellectual measurement that places all applicants on a level playing field, however these tests can be quite the opposite. Parents are willing to spend thousands of dollars on school, tutors, and educational experiences to better their child’s chance of being accepted to a top college. This is yet another example of why the rich continue to get richer, while the poor continue to get poorer. Some may argue that affirmative action may reverse this effect; however,those who are more advantaged in life will still have a better chance of being accepted to top colleges. Furthermore, standardized tests are merely another representation of how well a student can regurgitate information; students are already tested in this facet of intellect through their school, which determines GPA based upon how well a student can reiterate information. Given that most students applying for top colleges are intelligent and likely have similarly high GPAs, colleges should consider the character of applicants to determine which students are accepted. Standardized tests appear to solely boost a college’s reputation by allowing the school to compare their test scores to other schools. The possible elimination of standardized tests from college application will reduce stress on applicants and allow schools to focus on a student’s potential fit in the school, rather than their ability to prepare for a test.