Standardized testing has been an essential part of the college admissions process for decades. The ACT, which stands for American College Testing, is a program designed to have “scores reflect what students have learned throughout high school and provide colleges and universities with excellent information for recruiting, advising, placement, and retention.” The SAT is a similar test with similar goals.

Ideally, the ACT and SAT would provide a comprehensive score that represents a student’s academic ability in various subjects. However, in practice these tests are a poor tool of measure. These tests particularly harm low income students, or students from poor school districts. The ACT reported “In 2016, the average ACT composite score was 23.6 for higher income students, and 19.5 from lower income students.” “Higher income” is classified as a family income of $80,000 or more, while “lower income” is classified as a family income of under $80,000. This is clear evidence the ACT favors higher income students, making it harder for low income families in the college admissions process.

These tests are also flawed because they do not necessarily measure a student’s capability. Intelligent students can still perform very poorly on these tests. The test score is one number on a scale. The score will not account for students who are poor test takers, or students who encounter concepts they have not been taught.

Low income students will also have a harder time accessing test prep courses and resources. While the ACT does provide free practice tests and fee waivers for the exam itself, outside test prep courses are often an additional expense. Test preparation resources are statistically proven to have some impact on scores.

I can attest to the advantage test preparation courses give, as I am currently taking the “ACT 36” test prep course, offered through OPRF. The course uses a book called “Excel Edge.” The book contains many resources for students to use. It has testing strategies, practice problems, practice tests, and important information about every subject. Besides to the practice book, the course provides eight weeks of instruction and a formal practice test.

The most beneficial part of the course is its structured environment. Having to attend a two-hour session every Thursday while also receiving homework keeps me on track with my studying. The course also provides experienced instructors in every subject area. All these factors are a major advantage. But the course costs $350.

While it’s certainly not impossible for students in low income areas to succeed, they are at a significant disadvantage. The average test scores for low income students are significantly worse when compared to high income students. These tests do not measure work ethic or intelligence, they more so measure the money and time a student has.

As for solutions, the easiest and most achievable option would be making all standardized testing optional for college applications. Students who desire to increase their chances of getting into a university could still submit high test scores. Low income students would not be put at an inherent disadvantage when applying to schools that require higher test scores. With this system, standardized testing will only help students, and not harm them.