Colleges should remain test-blind even when the COVID-19 pandemic is over. This means they should not consider test scores submitted by applicants in the admissions process. Being test-blind leaves more room for diversity in a college. Test results do not fully paint the picture of who someone is. For example, some students may be strong applicants, but have testing anxiety and therefore do not receive a good SAT or ACT score.

I believe that test scores do have significance, but I do not think they should carry more weight than any other part of a student’s application. I think it is more fair to put more emphasis on other aspects of someone’s college application.

I believe a student’s transcript can give a more accurate view on a person as a student because you can see how well they have performed over their four years in high school and how consistent they are in a classroom. This also would present to colleges how consistent this particular student could be at their school. The SAT or ACT, however, only show an admissions panel how a particular student was able to perform on one test one day.

Letters of recommendation are also a better source to rely on when evaluating an applicant. These will show a college how well students work in a classroom and overall high school environment, and how well they communicate with teachers. Similarly, interviews also give colleges a better look at an applicant. They can speak to a student first hand and ask specific questions.

Finally, essays are arguably the most important part of an application. They can show a college a student’s worldview, writing style and their goals. All of these elements can give a more accurate look at an applicant than standardized tests can.