Why Tests Might Matter More Than Ever (Yes, Even for Equity)
Hey everyone,
I don't normally send out back-to-back newsletters, but I found this recently published piece in The Economist worth sharing. They just published a piece that digs into one of the biggest debates in college admissions: Should standardized tests like the SAT and ACT still matter?
The article is well worth your time. It challenges some of the most common narratives about testing, especially the belief that these tests inherently favor wealthy students and disadvantage those from underrepresented backgrounds. What’s surprising—and incredibly relevant—is that a growing number of top-tier universities are now bringing back test requirements after going test-optional during the pandemic.
As we mentioned in the article sent out yesterday, MIT was first. Then came Harvard, Dartmouth, Yale, Brown, and most recently, Penn. These aren’t small moves—they’re a signal.
Why? Because new research cited in the article (including a big study from Brown and Dartmouth) shows that test scores do a better job than GPAs at predicting how students will perform once they're in college. At the most competitive schools, where nearly everyone has strong grades, test scores help admissions teams better distinguish academic potential.
But maybe the most important takeaway is this: Standardized tests can actually help level the playing field. For students from under-resourced schools or without access to costly extracurriculars and coaching, a strong test score becomes a clear, objective signal of potential.
Test-optional policies, while well-intentioned, may unintentionally hurt students who don’t realize that a “good but not perfect” score could strengthen their application—especially when viewed in the context of their personal background.
We’re going to keep preparing our students with that in mind. Because tests, when used wisely, can still be a tool for equity and opportunity—not just competition.
If you'd like to read the full article from The Economist, you can find it here.
Keep pushing forward,
Mr. John
Mr. John's Test Prep
