We know the problems with the test, but what are the solutions?
There are vastly differing views on the role of the tests in the admissions process. The reason the college testing conversation is so controversial and heated is because, to date, there is no solution that is fair, unbiased, and practical to employ. Students are more than their test scores and, for the benefit of both the students and the universities, they should be looked at as whole people with a variety of strengths and abilities. No two students are the same and they should not be judged in a black and white manner that does not account for or allow individual differences in learning styles, talent or background. Colleges would benefit by accepting a diverse, multi-talented group of students, but as long as test scores are used as a primary criteria this will not be the case.
Test-optional Policy
One solution to the question of whether SATs and ACTs should continue to be used to assess students for college admissions is the test-optional policy. Jonathan Lash, president of Hampshire College, has first hand experience with the test-optional system, which he believes is a good compromise between both sides of the conversation. Lash wrote an article in Hampshire College Newsto express his satisfaction with the test-optional policy and the positive effects that he witnessed after Hampshire College implemented the policy. Lash found that some of the positive implications of the policy are that applicants can put forward a more complete application, focusing on all of their experience and strengths rather than just grades and scores, giving admissions officers a more holistic look at their incoming class.
Kaleidescope Project
The “Kaleidescope Project” is an idea conceived by Robert Sternberg that he has put to work in the admissions process at Tufts University. The project required the Tufts admissions staff to create essay questions to measure creative, analytical, practical, and wisdom-based skills, rather than just math and English. In his article in Change: The Magazine Of Higher Learning, Sternberg asserts that, by measuring qualities other than basic academic ones, this project would enable the university to admit a diverse, thoughtful and interesting student body. Although this seems like an ideal solution, it would be nearly impossible to mandate other schools to follow this process, so it is not a practical option.
Percent Plan
Another, less known alternative in the college admission process is the Percent Plan. In her article in the Harvard Educational Review, Rebecca Zwick explains that the concept of percent plans is for colleges to accept all students who rank in a certain percentage of their high school class, regardless of their test scores and regardless of the high school location or quality, The thought process behind these plans is that admitting these top students from each and every high school will foster diversity in the university because smart students from every walk of life will be admitted.
Other Options
There are other options, like making tests mandatory but having them hold less weight, or making test-prep classes and tutors available to all students, regardless of their racial or socio-economic background, or, maybe the tests themselves could be changed to be more all encompassing, testing cognitive and non-cognitive areas and/or even be tailored to specific fields of study that a student is looking to study.