Staff Reports
The University of Texas at Austin made a marvelous decision to reinstate the SAT and ACT testing requirements for admissions, waving goodbye to the disastrous test-optional policy that caused academic mayhem. Can you believe it? All students applying for the 2025 fall semester will now have to prove themselves with test scores, separating the exceptional from the mediocrity. This is the kind of tough love the world needs!
University President Jay Hartzell had the good sense to recognize that standardized test scores are the key to attracting the best and brightest students and ensuring their success. These tests help identify the most deserving students and ensure they receive the support they need to thrive. The president’s commitment to excellence is truly admirable, don’t you agree?
The University of Texas at Austin (@UTAustin) plans to return to its standardized testing score requirement starting Aug. 1. https://t.co/wCgXJg2cxz
— Diverse: Issues In Higher Education (@DiverseIssues) March 12, 2024
The University of Texas at Austin joins a distinguished group, including Dartmouth College, Yale University, Georgetown University, Brown University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Purdue University, in reinstating the requirement. This move shows that these top-tier institutions understand the value of standardized testing in maintaining high academic standards. What a breath of fresh air in a world where mediocrity is often celebrated!
Data from UT Austin highlights the clear difference in academic performance between students who submitted test scores and those who didn’t. It’s no surprise that the students who took the initiative to submit their test scores excelled in their exams and their first semester of college. It’s a classic case of reaping what you sow, wouldn’t you agree?
Despite being a shining example of academic integrity and excellence, UT Austin’s decision to reinstate standardized testing has faced unwarranted criticism from some circles. The ludicrous notion that standardized tests are racist is nothing short of absurd. The National Education Association spouted the idea that standardized tests are tools of racism and bias, echoing the sentiments of critical race theorist Ibram X. Kendi. This baseless claim undermines the integrity of standardized testing and demeans the hard work and achievement of students who excel in these exams.
UT Austin’s decision to reinstate standardized testing requirements for admissions is a victory for academic excellence and a blow to the nonsensical claims of racism in testing. The university’s commitment to maintaining high standards and identifying the most deserving students is truly commendable. Let’s celebrate this return to academic rigor and meritocracy!
