Harvard’s Standardized Testing Policy Will Worsen Inequality

Harvard University will extend its policy of not requiring applicants to submit SAT or ACT scores for the next four admissions cycles, a sign that the school may eventually elect to scrap the test requirements permanently. While opponents of using standardized-test scores in college admissions frequently make their case by appealing to equity, the practical effect of scrapping testing requirements will have the opposite effect. Harvard’s decision will hurt low- and middle-income students and result in a less well-rounded student body.

The truth is that standardized testing gives a leg up to talented non-wealthy students seeking admission to the nation’s top colleges. A team of researchers led by Raj Chetty calculated the share of students with an SAT score above 1400 (out of 1600) who attended one of the nation’s twelve most prestigious schools. Overall, 8 percent of top scorers made it to one of these super-elite colleges.

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Preston Cooper

Preston Cooper is a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute.

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Harvard University will extend its policy of not requiring applicants to submit SAT or ACT scores for the next four admissions cycles, a sign that the school may eventually elect to scrap the test requirements permanently. While opponents of using standardized-test scores in college admissions frequently make their case by appealing to equity, the practical effect of scrapping testing requirements will have the opposite effect. Harvard’s decision will hurt low- and middle-income students and result in a less well-rounded student body.

The truth is that standardized testing gives a leg up to talented non-wealthy students seeking admission to the nation’s top colleges. A team of researchers led by Raj Chetty calculated the share of students with an SAT score above 1400 (out of 1600) who attended one of the nation’s twelve most prestigious schools. Overall, 8 percent of top scorers made it to one of these super-elite colleges.