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Some colleges make SAT optional

Admissions officers at test-optional colleges and universities are relying on new ways to review a student’s academic ability without looking at their standardized tests scores.

“By allowing students to apply as test-optional, they are indeed giving the student a choice on how they present themselves to an admissions committee,” said Jeremy Lowe, who is the associate director of admissions at American University, a test-optional school in Washington, D.C.

Test-optional schools–those where students are not required to submit their SAT or ACT scores in their applications–are also on the rise. Test-flexible schools apply a holistic review of a student that is more personalized and takes other aspects of a students academic success into account.

Standardized tests used by colleges and universities. Photo by Alberto G.

https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/about/benefits, standardized tests can reflect a student’s strengths and weaknesses. Standardized testing is used to eliminate possible discrimination of students who may be limited by a weaker school system. These tests also have the job of measuring a student’s readiness for college.

For years, tests have been a standard for college applicants during the admissions process, however in a PBS report, colleges and universities are starting to put less emphasis on test scores as they are not reliable in predicting academic success.

“I know some people who did very badly on it and they ended up going to college and getting very good grades,” said Kevin Thibodeaux, 25, of the SAT.

As of the summer of 2017 more than 950 schools are test flexible or test optional.

 

 

 

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Diverse social groups extend learning about cultures

People interviewed in Northwest Washington, D.C. agreed on Wednesday that diversity is necessary in social groups in order for people to have a better understanding of different cultures.

Though some did not have diversity within their circle of friends, all believed that it presents an opportunity to learn and appreciate differences within other individuals.

Students from various backgrounds sit in Starbucks together between classes. By Courtney Williams.

“You can only improve yourself and your understanding by stepping out of your comfort zone,” said Andrew Griffin, 37.

Those in diverse groups say that their friends have given them a view of the world from a different perspective. People say they enjoy learning about different customs and traditions.

They are able to talk about experiences of their friends that they know they may never have. At times people agree that it can be harder to understand each other’s different viewpoints but encourages them to have an open mind to different perspectives.

Kaylee Hillard, 21, was shocked when she left her hometown of Dallas, Pennsylvania.

With a graduating class of approximately 100 students, Hillard described her small town as mostly white and conservative with a very “one way of thinking.”

She says coming to American University in Washington D.C. with students from different cultures and ethnic backgrounds made her think her town was “close-minded.” Hillard now has a diverse friend group and believes diversity has taught her about the way others think.

Those in more homogeneous groups say that having friends with similar cultural backgrounds makes it easier to relate to each other. They also share similar past experiences. Many said it was also based on comfort and finding a support system that fits their needs.

Dani Derosario, 18, a Filipino student at American University, was born in the Philippines and later immigrated to the United States.

“Coming to the United States and finding a community that I really fit in and felt like home was important to me,” Derosario said.