Test: The four-letter word that works with GPA for college admissions

Key points:

• Standardized test have been pivotal in college admissions for nearly a century
• The rate of college freshmen returning for a second year is highest in a decade
• AI, edtech can improve equity in college admissions
• For more news on admissions, visit eCN’s Campus Leadership hub

If you work long enough in education, you see that most academic trends swing through extreme phases like a pendulum. College admissions trends have followed suit, especially regarding standardized testing. The debate over using test scores in college admissions has oscillated between requiring them and questioning their necessity in favor of relying more on student grade point averages (GPAs).

Proponents of the latter sometimes view “test” as an unpleasant four-letter word. They argue that scores poorly indicate a student’s ability to thrive in college, although data suggests otherwise. And they’re right–standardized testing is an unpleasant necessity. While high school GPAs provide valuable insight, grade inflation can mar their reliability. Neither test scores nor GPAs alone paint a complete picture of a student’s ability. Instead, looking at GPAs and test scores together in college admissions offers a more comprehensive view of a student’s academic potential.

The history and purpose of testing

Standardized tests have been pivotal in college admissions for nearly a century. Initially–and ironically–they were designed to foster diversity in higher education. Harvard introduced the SAT^® Exam to identify talented students nationwide, breaking regional biases and creating opportunities for working-class students.

Over time, standardized tests have evolved in many ways. Recent changes in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, such as transitioning to digital exams and increasing testing locations and dates, aim to support equity. However, opponents argue that GPA is a better measure of a student’s college readiness, regardless of their racial or economic background.

Let’s really talk about equity

A primary argument against standardized testing is that replacing test scores with GPA requirements will create an even playing field for students from non-privileged backgrounds. However, a 2018 American University study found that from 2005 to 2016, high school GPAs increased more at wealthier private and suburban schools than lower-income urban public schools. This highlights that high-income schools often offer more advanced courses like AP classes, leading to higher GPAs.

Additionally, wealthier families have greater access to tutoring and academic support, boosting grades. Conversely, students from lower-income households often need to work to help support their families and cannot afford expensive extracurriculars. These factors result in less study time and fewer activities, such as sports and school clubs, leading to lower GPAs and weaker college applications.

Standardized tests offer consistent metrics across diverse educational environments

Colleges need consistent metrics to evaluate students from diverse educational backgrounds. High school GPAs are not standardized, making uniform comparisons difficult. Test scores provide a common measure, allowing colleges to assess students’ academic skills relative to their peers nationwide. This consistency ensures all students are judged by the same criteria, offering a fair assessment of their readiness for college-level work.

A recent University of Chicago Consortium on School Research study found that while high school GPA alone is a predictor of college readiness, requiring GPAs and ACT^® scores reduces GPA inconsistencies across schools. Standardized tests offer an objective measure to balance GPA discrepancies, ensuring a fairer evaluation process.

Identifying talented students from disadvantaged backgrounds

By considering GPAs and standardized test scores together, colleges can better identify talented students who have faced socioeconomic or educational challenges. Standardized tests can uncover hidden potential, providing an equitable opportunity for students to demonstrate their abilities.

For example, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) recently reinstated test requirements and subsequently admitted their most diverse class in history, with 15 percent being Black and 20 percent being Pell Grant recipients. This dual approach, using both test scores and GPAs, helped level the playing field, ensuring students, regardless of background, can showcase their academic potential.

When the student’s a 10–but so is every other student

With a rise in applicants boasting near-perfect GPAs, colleges face the challenge of distinguishing among high-achieving students. Standardized tests provide an additional data point to differentiate applicants. This helps place students in appropriate academic programs that align with their abilities, enabling more nuanced admissions decisions that consider both grades and test scores.

GPA inflation is an ongoing problem

Grade inflation has made GPAs higher across most schools, complicating the admissions process. More students now have straight A’s and 4.0 GPAs, making it difficult for colleges to choose the best applicants based solely on GPA.

The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) reported that the average high school GPA rose from 3.0 in 2009 to 3.11 in 2019, a 3.7 percent increase in just 10 years. Meanwhile, standardized test scores remained relatively constant, with some even decreasing. This can exacerbate economic inequities, as wealthier students often have access to resources that boost their GPA. Standardized test scores help mitigate these issues by providing an objective measure of a student’s academic abilities.

Differentiating among top applicants with similar GPAs

Standardized test scores allow colleges to differentiate among top applicants with similarly high GPAs. Without standardized testing, students may be chosen based on parental lobbying or other economic advantages. Combining test scores with GPAs ensures a more comprehensive evaluation, helping admissions teams understand each student’s academic journey and readiness for college. During the pandemic, many colleges adopted test-optional policies and found it more challenging to assess applicants’ academic preparedness accurately.

A holistic approach to college admissions

After reinstating standardized test requirements, MIT Dean of Admissions Stuart Schmill stated: “Just getting straight A’s is not enough information for us to know whether the students are going to succeed or not.” Schools like MIT understand that students are more than a test score, but they’re also greater than their grades.

Research shows that combining GPA with standardized test scores provides a more reliable indicator of a student’s future success in college. Taking a holistic approach to college admissions by using both measures is the best way to predict and support college readiness.

The above points don’t make the sometimes unpleasant four-letter word more palatable. But they do help put into perspective why several of the nation’s top schools believe test scores are an important part of the entire college readiness picture.

About the Author:

Katie Letts writes content for UWorld’s College Readiness vertical. She is a former educator with over 11 years of teaching experience in grades K-12.