Coronavirus and the test optional illusion

In an earlier post (see https://www.mathtutorct.com/blog/2019/3/14/why-act-and-sat-scores-matter-at-test-optional-colleges), I explained why almost all test optional colleges give careful consideration to standardized test scores when they are sent by applicants.  In fact, most students applying to the more competitive test optional colleges send test scores because most of the applicants are able to get strong scores and they will send those scores to enhance their applications.  I should add that many test optional colleges require standardized test scores for some applicants (athletes, financial aid, etc.).

One reason that admissions staff in test optional colleges are able to do their jobs without standardized test scores for those applicants who do not send them is that admissions staff can focus on the high school transcript to give them insight into the applicant’s academic preparedness.  Coronavirus has changed all that.

Many students and parents have breathed a sigh of relief that almost all colleges are going test optional for applications submitted this fall.  This stance is understandable because so many students were unable to take standardized tests in the spring and summer due to coronavirus closings.  It all makes perfect sense and it is the right thing to do.  But it puts admissions staff in a difficult spot.

With coronavirus came distance learning, and with distance learning came rampant grade inflation.  Teachers could not carry many of their students through the material when it was taught remotely and teachers had no effective way to test their students’ knowledge of the material.  Lacking valid assessments, schools dropped final exams and teachers inflated fourth quarter grades.

Imagine the impact this has on test optional colleges (almost all are test optional this fall).  It means that admissions staff will find it much more difficult to interpret and rely upon high school transcripts.  It also means that admissions staff will be more thankful than ever before when an applicant sends standardized test scores.  If you are a rising high school senior, pay attention!