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    High school students have breathed a sigh of relief for the last couple of years as some colleges decided to make their applications test-optional during the COVID pandemic, meaning they did not need to submit their SAT or ACT scores. However, following recent research revealing that standardized test scores have substantive predictive power for academic success in college, top universities like Harvard, Yale, and Dartmouth have decided to require the tests again. But should it be reinstated at all? Those in favor of reinstating it say the SAT is a useful tool that ensures admitted students have demonstrated high cognitive abilities and aptitude and are ready for college coursework. They argue the SAT acts as a social equalizer by leveling the playing field for applicants who are part of a lower socioeconomic scale. Those against it argue that the test says it is a measure of student potential that favors the affluent and that admissions decisions should be based on a holistic, more inclusive review that considers a wide range of factors, from extracurricular activities to personal essays and recommendations. We debate the question: Should Elite Universities Reinstate the SAT?
    
    Friday, May 3, 2024
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Professors' Liberalism Contagious? Maybe Not

Sunday, November 2, 2008

By Jeremy Mayer

Link to Article
Article source: New York Times

Upcoming Debates

Should Elite Universities Reinstate the SAT?

With John Friedman, Ben Nelson

10:00 AM | Friday, May 3, 2024

High school students have breathed a sigh of relief for the last couple of years as some colleges decided to make their applications test-optional during the COVID pandemic, meaning they did not need to submit their SAT or ACT scores. However, following recent research revealing that standardized test scores have substantive predictive power for academic success in college, top universities like Harvard, Yale, and Dartmouth have decided to require the tests again. But should it be reinstated at all? Those in…

Should Elite Universities Reinstate the SAT?

With John Friedman, Ben Nelson

10:00 AM | Friday, May 3, 2024

The Pursuit of Happiness: Virtue or Pleasure?

With Roger Crisp, Jeffrey Rosen

10:00 AM | Friday, May 17, 2024

Happiness is a complex emotion and mental state, one that has been pondered since the times of the Ancient Greeks. Many have wondered what it means to be happy and to achieve happiness through either virtue or pleasure. Is it for the good of the individual or the benefit of society? Those who believe virtue is the key to happiness argue that it is important for the well-being of both the individual and society, as touted by the Founding Fathers…

The Pursuit of Happiness: Virtue or Pleasure?

With Roger Crisp, Jeffrey Rosen

10:00 AM | Friday, May 17, 2024

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Features

Topics

Upcoming debates

SUPPORT OPEN-MINDED DEBATE

Professors' Liberalism Contagious? Maybe Not

Upcoming Debates

Should Elite Universities Reinstate the SAT?

Should Elite Universities Reinstate the SAT?

The Pursuit of Happiness: Virtue or Pleasure?

The Pursuit of Happiness: Virtue or Pleasure?

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EDUCATIONAL BRIEFS

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