Lots of elements go into taking the SAT. Photo graphic courtesy of junior Roslyn Risner

  Many schools in California, as well as schools out-of-state, have transitioned to being “test-blind,” or not requiring SAT scores, or similar tests from their applicants. Does this mean taking the SAT isn’t necessary for San Luis Obispo High School students? 

  Not exactly, if a student is absolutely sure that they’ll be applying only to schools which do not require test results then skipping the SAT may not be detrimental, but if unsure, many see it as a fail safe, if not simply a requirement. Especially with certain post-COVID leniencies becoming lifted, students are unsure as to whether the SAT will become required once again. With some schools, it never stopped being one. 

  “While my participation in the test is begrudged, I do think it’s important to take, especially if you want to get into a really competitive/elite university, as many of them have been reversing their test optional policies. However, I don’t judge people who don’t want to as striving for a high score is a very significant time commitment on top of school,” said junior Eve Greenwood. 

  Like mentioned above, many students may not even take issue with the test on its own but rather the immense amount of extra work required for what could be considered a “competitive score.” Others believe that the test is an important way for students to differentiate themselves further, valuing the opportunity if not for other problems.

  “Since the SAT is required for many universities for college admissions, I think it should be completely free to give low income students more fair chances in the admissions cycle. It’s not really the school’s fault though that they’re expensive, moreso College Board’s.  It’s definitely problematic as extremely high scores serve as a baseline for elite universities, but the test itself is only one moment in a student’s progress and gives advantages to people that can actually pay for expensive prep materials,” said Greenwood. 

  While the tests have plenty of problematic facets with their costs and limited perspectives, test-blindness being implemented brings its own slew of problems with students who possibly spent hours studying no longer getting to show what they worked for. 

  “I believe that schools should not adopt test-blindness. While it’s easy to antagonize standardized tests for their reputation as being extremely stressful, I think the SAT can actually be very helpful for certain students who also wish to supplement their course transcripts with a national exam,” said senior Joanna Rawlings. 

  It’s important to look at all sides of the argument when deciding whether or not to take the test, and while some students may take the test simply out of assumed obligation most would probably do better if they felt a purpose for it. 

  “I don’t understand why it is so important since only the U.S does it and it just makes students more stressed,” said junior Habiba Abo Ismail. 

  Doing well could mean more than improved admissions chances, as a great SAT can prove a higher aptitude for tests and gain students scholarships. But, if a student already knows where they’re going to college and they don’t need an SAT score then it may simply be another unnecessary stressor for juniors. 

  “A couple of the schools I’m applying to reinstated their testing policy of requiring SAT scores, as they did before the pandemic. While I’d planned to take it anyway, I definitely studied more for it than if standardized tests hadn’t been placed in greater importance this year,” said Rawlings. 

  While it may be a difficult decision, there isn’t really much harm in trying on the test if you are unsure about which colleges to apply to. Worst case scenario, just don’t submit scores at all! (At least for many colleges). 

  So, juniors, if you’ve decided to take the SAT but missed the deadline there are plenty of alternative testing dates available on the College Board website. Whether or not taking the test feels right, don’t stress either way, because it’s likely not as consequential as it sometimes seems. 

Source: bigfuture.collegeboard.org