M.I. T. requires SAT scores

Massachusetts Institute of Technology is one of the top technical universities in the world. Over the last 25 years, M. I. T. has ranked No.1 in the world in 12 categories of study in the technical field. The university admits about 4% of the applicants each year. Thirty-five thousand students apply for admission each year, only 1400 are admitted.

During the pandemic, M.I. T. suspended the SAT requirement because SAT testing centers were closed or had limited availability. The university admitted 2 classes without the SAT requirement.

This week, M.I.T. announced it is reinstating the SAT requirement. Same with Georgetown, Georgia Tech, University of Florida and the University of Georgia. Others are sure to follow. The Scholastic Aptitude Test (S.A.T.) has been used by American colleges and universities since 1926 (96 years).

Of course, political activists and “social justice” advocates have condemned the SAT’s claiming racial inequality. Blacks score lower on the test. Pressure to drop the test for college admissions has been publicly demanded by many minority groups. Lots of the U.S. major colleges and universities folded under the pressure. Too bad! However, it now appears the mood has shifted.

Everyone knows math and English skills are important at the college level. The SAT is used as a predictor for college success. Period! Math is math. High school grades have been steadily increasing for years. Grade inflation is the term used to describe the phenomenon. High school grading has flaws and varies from school to school.

It does not serve anyone to admit students into college without the prerequisite skills in the name of “social justice.” Many of these placements take the spot of another more qualified and better suited for college study. There is even pressure applied to college professors to “dumb down” the coursework so students will pass. UGH!

The United States needs top technical talent. M.I.T. has taken action to attract, admit, and educate top talent. I hope our other colleges and universities follow that lead!!!