University of California President Richard Atkinson recently recommended the elimination of the SAT I as a requirement for admissions.
"America's overemphasis on the SAT is compromising our educational system," Atkinson said yesterday in a speech to the American Council on Education in Washington, D.C.
Atkinson's recommendation was divided into two proposals. The first proposal would require UC only to use tests that measure proficiency in specific subject areas. This proposal would rule out use of the SAT I, but not SAT II tests.
The second proposal recommended that UC not evaluate applicants by relying on test scores.
UC studies show the SAT I is not an accurate predictor of college performance, Atkinson spokesman Michael Reese said.
Also, the test is biased toward students from better socioeconomic backgrounds, Reese said.
Atkinson encouraged the development of tests that are coordinated with specific classes that UC applicants are required to take.
But Atkinson said in his speech that it would be difficult for individual universities to change their admissions systems.
Currently 83 percent of four-year colleges require the SAT I, according to PBS' Frontline Web site, a drop from 86 percent in 1997-98.
The University requires both the SAT I and three different SAT II tests.
The SAT I test "is certainly considered in the admissions process, but the factors you have to look at the most are the grades the applicant has received and the program of studies he or she has pursued," Assoc. Dean of Admissions Marianne Kosiewicz said.
President John T. Casteen III said the situation at UC will not exert a strong influence on University policies even though UC-Berkeley competes with the University for honors such as the U.S. News and World Report title of best public university.
"UC's issues and problems are unique to California, which has no record of discrimination in college admissions against minority persons or persons of color and which has a law prohibiting affirmative action admission programs," Casteen said.
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