Out with the Old

Sometimes traditions need a little spring cleaning.  Take standardized tests for example.  So much has been said denouncing the tests' legitimacy in gauging an applicant's academic abilities, especially for those students who are at a deficit in terms of test preparation and high school curriculum.  At Collegewise, we always say that the numbers can't convey personality and individuality to an admissions office.  I firmly believe that and have seen amazing things happen for students who were creative writing virtuosos, accomplished athletes, and pre-Picassos who just didn't have the best test scores.  The results of one Saturday spent filling in bubbles on a test sheet could never convey a person's potential contributions to a college.  This article demonstrates that many colleges are seeing this light as well.  True learning arises from growth and change, right?  Well, with respect to standardized tests, it looks like a number of colleges are saying out with the old (judging applicants with the SAT and ACT) and in the with new (the true holistic approach).