Because COVID-19 is causing as many as 1,600 institutions to shift to test-optional college admissions (meaning that ACT and SAT scores aren’t required to apply). Now, many students and parents alike are wondering whether this will be the permanent end of standardized testing.

All schools should allow submission of test scores to be optional from now on, and rather than use scores as the predominant method to determine who could succeed, they should focus on an applicant’s grades, achievements and individual personalities.

Safety concerns this year regarding test-taking are not a singular occurrence, as many students are unable to take the tests each year due to health issues or medical reasons.

Tests are not an accurate measure of intelligence or personality, as students can be excellent testers but unmotivated academically, or vice versa.

Those of different socioeconomic statuses are put at a disadvantage if they lack tutoring, which can be as expensive as $100 per hour, or are unable to travel to testing sites.

Tests fit people into a box and don’t assess or grasp a person’s complete profile. Because schools do need to choose students who they think can handle their workload, they should spend more time on students’ essays, GPA and individual persona to more fully evaluate them.