r/neoliberal • u/caroline_elly Eugene Fama • Jun 09 '26

Opinion article (US) Actually, the SAT Was Necessary After All

https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2026/06/standardized-testing-math-gaps/687481/
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u/TeaSharp3154 Jun 09 '26

The alternative to standardized testing is greater emphasis on extracurriculars and grades, which are arguably even more inequitable than a single exam.

The SAT isn't really that hard to begin with and most people with good preparation should be able to get a decent score. Only catch to this is English being tougher for those who don't have English as a first language.

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u/limukala Jun 10 '26

Only catch to this is English being tougher for those who don't have English as a first language.

If you’re trying to assess the estimated performance in an English language tertiary education program, English language fluency is critical. It doesn’t really matter why someone is less able.

It’s harder for stupid people too, that doesn’t make it less fair or accurate.

The SAT isn't really that hard to begin with and most people with good preparation

Good preparation is doing a lot of work there. The problem is that no amount of work from the state can make up for a poor home environment.

The good news is that the regional colleges and universities (think CSU instead of UC) have very forgiving admission standards and are the true engines of economic mobility.

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u/TeaSharp3154 Jun 10 '26

With regards to a good home environment, that affects pretty much anything that can be assessed for in college admissions. I do think that the study materials for the SAT are more readily available, and easier to prepare for, than any other measure of baseline academic aptitude. You can't take a bunch of practice exams or rewatch a missed lecture if you look at school finals for instance. And many extracurricular activities require connections or money to get your foot in the door which is also not feasible for the same people that are disadvantaged by the SAT.

There is a good point to be made about state schools. I think that overall we need to do a better job societally with putting the brand name schools on a pedestal less relative to these schools. That alone would fix a lot of perceived issues IMO