Live data from Hacker News

University of California Will Stop Using SAT, ACT

wsj.com

1–10 of 393 posts

Re: University of California Will Stop Using SAT, ACT

#3
I know some people protest measures that are considered more "objective" over measures that are more "holistic", whether this is in school admittance, performance evaluation, promotion consideration, interviewing, determining welfare benefits, choosing who makes the rules and governs.

However it has been my experience that whenever an explicit test or hierarchy is removed another shadow one builds up that is more subjective, more biased, and more subject to abuse.

Sure the SAT/ACT does favor students whose parents had enough money to afford private tutors, but it also meant that if I didn't have a private tutor if I could get a perfect score my chances increase. Now it changes to the whims of the interviewer, the committee that ranks my "holistic" experience, etc.

Re: University of California Will Stop Using SAT, ACT

#7
Another strike against genuine education. Now prep schools that have 17 valedictorians will help their students pad their applications with nonsense extra-curricular activities and experiences. However it's likely much easier to create the same pastiche of fluff in poorly-performing schools than it is to actually raise test scores.

Now more than ever, college signals nothing other than the ability to follow rules and jump through hoops. Such a tragedy.

Re: University of California Will Stop Using SAT, ACT

#8
post #6

Paywall. What is the proposed solution to replace it?

They're creating their own test.

> The unanimous 23-to-0 vote ratified a proposal put forward last month by UC President Janet Napolitano to phase out the exams over the next five years until the sprawling UC system can develop its own test.

Re: University of California Will Stop Using SAT, ACT

#10

Yay, another chance for schools to curate incoming classes based on what they want on a brochure rather than on merit.

I'd hardly call rich parents paying for SAT prep classes a better solution.

SAT prep classes have a small effect size.
Post reply on HN