SAT Drops Essays and Subject Tests

[spork]

I find it difficult to have a good faith argument on what attributes are most appropriate for finding good applicants when we all know that if those criteria, once determined, do not result in the desired racial configuration when applied, they will be ignored.

The entire idea of being "smart" has been attacked. IQ tests, SAT scores, GRE, LSAT, MCAT and other tests don't measure someone's favorite ice cream flavor or what shoe size they have.  They measure (with quite a bit of predictive validity) cognitive ability. Someone's letter of recommendation from their uncle's friend, personal statement about the loss of their pet or other subjective materials do not do this. Relying on soft aspects means ignoring or at a minimum reducing the value of objective data. Holistic is just a euphemism to say "we also look at other stuff!"  Yet this is the undisputed norm in college admissions at all levels.

No one thinks the numbers should be automatic. The test score of 99 from a recently paroled ex murderer is probably not as good an indication of "success" as the guy with a 98 whose list of hobbies do not include homicide. I just find it disappointing that a field of academics is so inclined to substitute their own personal preferences or assumptions above the objective data.

https://www.pushkin.fm/episode/the-coach-effect/

[financeguy]

I have no problem supporting or assisting first-gen students, diverse students or anyone else who is otherwise academically suited to the specific college and college education in general. What I do not wish to do is bend any indication to the contrary to allow me to believe that someone fits this category who does not. There are many people who simply do not belong in a college environment and have not interest in adhering to the requirements of one. Admissions offices, actual classrooms and entire fields should not change to allow these people to determine what a college education is.

The fact that you "really want to be in field x" does not mean you are suited for it. The fact that your mom wants to tell the neighbors you are a member of y profession does not mean you will ever be qualified for it. The fact that she "wants to see her baby walk across the stage!" is also not a reason that you are qualified to do so. We need to IMPOSE requirements on those wishing to receive a credential that indicates they have done so rather than seeking ways to avoid those requirements in the name some other abstract unrelated objective.

This is part 2 of the mortgage meltdown. Politicians measuring how many people are homeowners on paper rather than how many have any business actually owning a home.