Test cancellations could change how colleges pick students

With the SATs canceled because of the coronavirus, a lot of high school students are wondering how college admissions will work this fall. Experts say changes in higher education are coming, and they're long overdue – and they could work to students' benefit.

Junior Kate Zarnik has been studying and getting tutoring for the SAT for months, hoping to take the test this spring. But all test dates have been canceled until August at the earliest. And some colleges have decided not to require the test for admissions next year.

Zarnik says she's a little disappointed, "but it's kind of a relief that I don't have to take it."

Her mother, Maura Zarnic, thinks a lot of parents may be frustrated by the sudden change in college admissions policy. But she sees it as a sorely-needed improvement.

"I think there was way too much focus on the standardized tests, so there's the possibility now they will change that up and look at the broader picture of the student, rather than just one aspect," Maura Zarnic says.

Some education experts agree with her, including Dr. Todd Rose at Harvard's graduate program in education. He says many of the best schools have already made the tests optional because, he says. the SAT and the ACT are "relics" that don't lead to diversity or a well-rounded student body.

"Anytime you're going to force anyone into the exact same exam, and judge talent that way, everyone loses," Rose tells WRAL News. "What you’re going to see now is the ability to look more holistically at kids and really understand what they have to offer. Let them demonstrate excellence in a variety of ways."

Rose says the economic fallout from the pandemic will leave colleges courting students, rather than the other way around.

"There's going to be a big hole in most of these universities' budgets where they need students like they've never needed before," Rose says.

And that could lead to long-term changes in how the admissions process works.

"The people who have tried to game, thinking it’s all about test scores – they’re in a world of hurt right now. The people who have been well-rounded, that have actually done it the right way, and have cared about developing themselves, they’re in a very good spot with some of the best universities," Rose says. "Relax, realize this is actually better for you, and you will end up with more options than you had before."

So while Kate and Maura Zarnic are uncertain about how the college admission process will work for Kate, Maura is optimistic.

"It’s just going to look very different than any other year that we’ve had," Maura Zarnic says. "It’s going to happen, and the right school is out there for you, and we will figure it out."