MIT to no longer consider SAT subject tests in admissions decisions

Most of this is to obscure their admission criteria. Harvard has come under fire for actively discriminating against Asian applicants. By removing a standard test, these colleges can actively discriminate whilst making it more difficult to prove admissions bias from a numerical and arguably more objective standard.

Re: MIT to no longer consider SAT subject tests in admissions decisions

#6

Post by krastanov » Fri, Mar 20, 2020, 4:52 PM UTC

codingslave wrote: post #5

Most of this is to obscure their admission criteria. Harvard has come under fire for actively discriminating against Asian applicants. By removing a standard test, these colleges can actively discriminate whilst making it more difficult to prove admissions bias from a numerical and arguably more objective standard.

They are removing the extra optional tests, not the main SAT test. Sounds great to me, as these extra tests just show you have the money to take them. Your comment is an unfounded opinion, please do not present it with the certainty of a fact.

Re: MIT to no longer consider SAT subject tests in admissions decisions

#7

Post by tryptophan » Fri, Mar 20, 2020, 4:52 PM UTC

codingslave wrote: post #5

Most of this is to obscure their admission criteria. Harvard has come under fire for actively discriminating against Asian applicants. By removing a standard test, these colleges can actively discriminate whilst making it more difficult to prove admissions bias from a numerical and arguably more objective standard.

See also the recent restructuring of the SAT, which changed the scoring so more people have perfect/high scores.

Harvard et al can now pick from a wider pool and still claim they have the "best and brightest".

Re: MIT to no longer consider SAT subject tests in admissions decisions

#8

Post by yardie » Fri, Mar 20, 2020, 4:54 PM UTC

I used to think the SATs were fair. Until I found out how much money was being spent on SAT prep. And those expensive prep courses had the potential to increase scores over 100 points.

I took the recommended SAT prep course through my high school. It was 2 weekends of going over material that might be on the exam and a workbook recommended by The College Board. Imagine my surprise going to university and meeting students much richer than I who had multi year SAT prep courses with actual exam questions!

Re: MIT to no longer consider SAT subject tests in admissions decisions

#9

Post by jimbob45 » Fri, Mar 20, 2020, 4:56 PM UTC

Note to those who haven't been in high school for some time: these aren't the main test. The main test still gets considered (in addition to your parents' money)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SAT_Subject_Tests

Re: MIT to no longer consider SAT subject tests in admissions decisions

#10

Post by duckMuppet » Fri, Mar 20, 2020, 5:03 PM UTC

yardie wrote: post #8

I used to think the SATs were fair. Until I found out how much money was being spent on SAT prep. And those expensive prep courses had the potential to increase scores over 100 points. I took the recommended SAT prep course through my high school. It was 2 weekends of going over material that might be on the exam and a workbook recommended by The College Board. Imagine my surprise going to university and meeting stud…

Anyone can study the SAT prep books for free at a bookstore a few hours at a time daily.

If your offended by that, what about professors or HS teachers who teach certain sections of the textbook because it's going to be on the exam.

One can self-study the SAT prep book or self-study their biology book and in both cases can potentially be more knowledgeable than those who attended a formal university class or prep workshop. Most students aren't driven to do that though.

This goes to the fundamental problem, that our university system at present is really just a credentialing and signaling system.