Michigan Proposes Bills to Remove SAT Essay Requirement for College Applications
In a significant shift aimed at college admissions in Michigan, a pair of proposed bills, House Bills 4556 and 4557, seek to eliminate the requirement for students to include their SAT exam scores and the accompanying essay in their high school transcripts. This change would affect public high school juniors who take the SAT as part of the annual Michigan Merit Exam.
The bills have garnered bipartisan support, with State Representative Regina Weiss (D-Detroit) serving as a co-sponsor. “It breaks my heart to hear students devastated by their SAT results,” Weiss, a former English teacher, shared. She emphasized the need to reassess standardized testing’s role, suggesting that while benchmarks are important, they should not overshadow the diverse capabilities of students.
Changing Landscape of College Admissions
During the pandemic, many Michigan universities began allowing applicants to choose whether to submit their test scores. This flexibility sparked discussions about the relevance of the SAT in the current college admissions landscape. Supporters of the bills contend that the existing requirement for in-state students to submit scores, while out-of-state applicants can opt out, is inherently unfair.
Weiss stated, “We want to ensure that we’re not inadvertently hurting students and their chances of admission by including scores they may want to keep private.” By removing this requirement, the bills aim to level the playing field for all applicants.
Local institutions, including Michigan State University and Wayne State University, have expressed support for student choice in their admissions processes. In a statement, Michigan State noted that if a student opts for a test-optional route, their scores are not evaluated, even if they are submitted. “Student choice is central to our admissions philosophy,” the university emphasized, highlighting the importance of respecting applicants’ preferences.
Student Perspectives and Expert Opinions
Current students have also weighed in on the proposed changes. Chloe Lobato, a freshman at Wayne State University who graduated high school with a 3.8 GPA, explained her decision to include the SAT essay in her application. “I wanted to improve my chances,” she said, acknowledging that her SAT score was not as strong as her academic record in advanced placement classes.
Another student, Kaitlin Bone, a sophomore at Wayne State, expressed support for the bills, arguing that SAT scores do not reflect a student’s true potential due to factors such as test anxiety. “I don’t think test scores accurately represent what a person can do,” Bone noted.
While the Michigan Department of Education is opposed to eliminating the essay requirement, supporters of the bills argue that high school coursework, particularly advanced placement classes, better reflects a student’s capabilities and readiness for college.
The proposed legislation has already passed through a committee hearing, with Weiss optimistic about advancing it to a full vote in the House within the next few months. As the landscape of college admissions continues to evolve, these bills could significantly impact how Michigan students present their qualifications in the future.
