211. Five Myths About Admissions Tests

Jun 15, 2021

Tests like the SAT and ACT are almost universally reviled by those who deem the tests not only worthless and self-referential but also key agents in educational inequality. But does the evidence actually support those bold claims? Amy and Mike invited author and academic Freddie deBoer to dispel five myths about standardized tests.

 What are five things you will learn in this episode?

1. Aren’t admissions exams just wealth tests?
2. Can superior test scores be bought?
3. Do SAT and ACT scores really predict college success?
4. Is it true that the SATs only tell you how well a student takes the SAT.
5. Is it true that test-optional policies increase racial diversity at colleges?

MEET OUR GUEST

Freddie deBoer is a writer and academic. He is the author of the book The Cult of Smart. He lives in Brooklyn.

Find Freddie at https://freddiedeboer.substack.com/.

LINKS

You Aren't Actually Mad at the SATs

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DO TEST-OPTIONAL POLICIES DRIVE EQUITY?

ABOUT THIS PODCAST

Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page.