Measuring Excellence
An exercise in oppression Olympics.
The SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) is a standardized college admissions test that is used to evaluate the aptitude of high school students for college. It consists of multiple-choice tests in reading, writing and language, and math, as well as an optional essay component. The SAT is widely used by colleges and universities in the United States as part of the admissions process, along with other factors such as grades, extracurricular activities, and letters of recommendation.
Adversity scores, also known as Environmental Context Dashboards, were a feature introduced by the College Board, the organization that administers the SAT, in 2019. The scores were intended to provide colleges with additional context about the socio-economic and educational challenges faced by applicants, in an effort to promote greater diversity and fairness in the college admissions process.
However, the adversity scores have been controversial and have faced criticism from a number of different quarters. One major concern is that the adversity scores are based on a number of factors that are beyond the control of individual students, such as the income and education levels of the neighborhood in which they grew up. This could potentially disadvantage students who come from disadvantaged backgrounds but have worked hard to overcome these challenges and achieve academic success. What happens when your particular challenge is viewed as "2 points easier" than another applicant's?
While the intent behind the adversity scores may be admirable, the execution has been problematic and has raised significant concerns about fairness and equity in the college admissions process.
Laura Staffaroni
Christopher Rim