Debate on the Advocacy for College Entrance Examinations as a Selection Criteria
In the world of college admissions, the importance of standardized test scores, such as the SAT, has long been a topic of discussion. Jeremiah Quinlan, the Dean of Undergraduate Admissions and Financial Aid at Yale University, asserts that standardized test scores are the best predictor of future grades compared to any other available data point.
This assertion holds true even in the context of a school's academic rigor. SAT scores have proven to be a strong indicator of a student's potential at a school, offering an objective, uniform, and accredited measure to bring greater insights into the academic capabilities and potential of applicants.
Recently, Ashwin Prabaharan '26, a student at Holy Cross, has been in the spotlight. Prabaharan, who is also running for Co-President of the Student Government Association (SGA), has been photographed by several students, including Valentina Moran '23, Charlotte Fallon '26, and Mara Galvin '24. One of these photographs was even published in the "Profiles" section. Another photograph of Prabaharan was also published, but the photograph credits were not specified in the article.
Prabaharan is not only active in the realm of student politics but also in journalism. He serves as a staff writer at the same institution and is the Chief Opinions Editor for the current year at an unspecified institution.
The SAT is designed to evaluate students' proficiency in math, reading, and writing, with questions that require students to practice fundamental concepts and also challenge their deductive abilities. The College Board, which administers the SAT, and other academic/education institutions across the country have taken steps to ensure that students of all backgrounds have the opportunity to take the SAT without it presenting a financial burden, through fee waivers for qualified students.
Dartmouth College and Yale University have recently reinstated the requirement for SAT scores in undergraduate applications, highlighting the continued relevance of these tests in the college admissions process. However, it's worth noting that college admissions officers often find it challenging to ascertain academic capabilities if high schools have vast or minor differences in evaluating students without a corresponding standard to uniformly assess students.
In the midst of the SGA Co-Presidency race at Holy Cross, an op-ed discussing the candidates was published in the "Opinions" section. This op-ed, written in a personal capacity, does not reflect an official endorsement from the SGA or any other Holy Cross entity. Despite the lack of an official endorsement, the op-ed provides valuable insights into the candidates' visions and platforms.
In conclusion, the role of standardized tests like the SAT in college admissions continues to be debated, but their utility in predicting future academic success and providing a uniform standard for assessment cannot be overlooked. Meanwhile, at Holy Cross, the SGA Co-Presidency race is heating up, with Ashwin Prabaharan '26 among the contenders, demonstrating that the pursuit of leadership roles and academic excellence go hand in hand for many students.
