Standardized Tests Favor Certain Students

It is fact that standardized testing effects students, especially in terms of class placement and, therefore, likely their scores on future standardized tests such as the SAT and ACT. This can largely effect students' enrollment in many universities across the country.

There is evidence that scores on standardized tests such as the SAT and ACT are directly affected by race and income class. White students have historically scored higher on tests than students of color, even when socioeconomic factors are taken into consideration. This is likely due to the fact that many minority students attend K-12 schools that are underfunded, leading to larger class sizes, overworked teachers, and as a result, distracted students. These schools are also more likely to lack AP classes and tutoring programs, which leads to a smaller pool of minority students with high standardized test scores.

This may lead to the conclusion that standardized tests do not measure IQ but instead, measures a student's upbringing. This is especially concerning when the SAT and ACT are major deciding factors when it comes to whether or not a student passed their university application. Over many years, this can lead to a loop where very few low-income or minority students are ever accepted into top-tier universities.

While there are schools in the US that try to remedy this via affirmative action policies, it can often be controversial. This is evidenced by affirmative action being banned in California, Washington, Michigan, Nebraska, Arizona, and Oklahoma.

These four charts show how the SAT favors rich, educated families
Standardized Tests Discriminate Against Minority and Lower Income Students
Why Poor Schools Can’t Win at Standardized Testing