A Word on the Admissions Scandal
The recent college admissions scandal has sparked an important debate around ethical access to higher education.
The FBI’s moniker for their sting operation (“Varsity Blues”) captures the dual sentiments of college admissions today. On the one hand, no one wants to relinquish a preference for prestige (varsity); on the other, clamoring after prestige is precisely what’s left many feeling uneasy about the admissions process (blues).
How should we, as a society, respond to the scandal? Some sectors are calling for a de-emphasis on test scores, claiming the scandal is yet another indication of testing’s inherent biases. Others argue that scores are in fact the most “objective” criteria in the process, ensuring promising students of all backgrounds are recognized.
At the end of the day, nearly everyone agrees that scores themselves are beside the point. High schoolers need to be prepared for college coursework; the tests are helpful tools to the extent that they accurately assess this preparation and give colleges a basis for comparing a wide array of applicants. To the extent that the SAT and ACT produce the opposite effect (e.g., unequal access, debilitating stress), they are worthy of criticism.
North Avenue is a holistic tutoring firm. We don’t focus on test scores to the exclusion of academic skills building – rather, we design test prep lessons to supplement and enhance students’ overall academic maturity. Standardized tests will likely remain a hallmark of education in the United States for years to come. Our mission is to make sure these tests provide the occasion for deep engagement and authentic learning.
If the admissions scandal has you confused about what to do or who to trust, give us a call. We’d love to unpack our unique approach to SAT/ACT prep and academic tutoring, as well as equip you and your student with resources for growth – at home and at school.
