During the COVID-19 pandemic, nearly all U.S. colleges went “test optional” because standardized tests were inaccessible throughout quarantine. As a result, students could choose whether or not to submit their ACT or SAT scores with their application.
The current junior class became comfortable with the idea of schools being test optional, but colleges have gradually reinstated mandatory testing.
Juniors are now readjusting to the reality that many schools will likely require SAT or ACT scores this fall.
“I don’t think it’s fair that colleges keep changing if it is optional or mandatory,” said junior Shayla Suky.
Balancing Heschel’s long days, extracurriculars, a regular workload, and standardized test prep is daunting and emotionally draining; so, what does the class of 2026 think?
This question prompted a two-hour long debate on the 11th grade’s WhatsApp group chat, along with days of chatter in Heschel’s halls; surprisingly, most students were hardly concerned about the extra workload, instead focusing on the idea that expensive tutors can give unfair advantages.
“It’s stupid because they aren’t standardized. You could have one kid that’s smarter than another kid, but if they can’t afford a tutor, they might not do as well,” said junior Noah Chessler.
Junior Haym Suissa pushed back, saying, “More and more programs are coming out that are more affordable. It’s not impossible to score well without a tutor.”
While there are undeniable advantages for people with more resources, standardized test scores continue to be one of the most accurate benchmarks to assess how a student will perform in college, regardless of economic status.
Suissa added, “A lot of being a student is taking tests. That’s the reality. Grades and course rigor are a horrible indication of intelligence.” Suissa’s point that tests are a part of life is well taken; many professions require standardized tests, like MCATs for medical school or LSATs for law school. As unenjoyable as tests may be, test-taking skills are important.
Junior Georgia Bregman said, “Colleges need some sort of assessment that’s not grades, which are very subjective.” Bregman continued, “They are going back to requiring scores because they’re proven to be a good predictor of students’ success in college.”
Junior Eli Lebwohl said, “There’s no one factor that is a perfect indicator of how intelligent you are; that’s why we have grades, standardized tests, college essays, and recommendations.” Lebwohl continued, “I don’t really get why we should be able to choose what we’re good at and want to submit – I mean that’s just a way of making yourself look better than you actually are.”
The grade was polled on whether they preferred a mandatory or optional policy, and around 40% of the grade voted: the results were completely split, 50/50.
Several students who voted that standardized testing should be optional voted solely because of the stress, time, and effort that goes into preparing for a test, but as Charlie Shiff reflected, “Although I hate the ACT, it makes sense.”
Junior Liam Barlev agreed, saying, “I want [testing to be] optional because that means less work during a stressful time, but it really should be mandatory.”
This debate gravitated away from SAT/ACT opinions to a discussion of financial disparities across the nation and how to create truly fair opportunities.
Junior Noah Archibald concluded, “the wealth gap is not something that can be made up for by taking away testing.”
Junior Noah Barnett added, “Newer data shows that test scores can help find smart kids who lack opportunities and don’t have extracurriculars.”