The George Washington University has been making some news lately by saying that SAT or ACT scores will no longer be required for people seeking admission to the university. It also happens to be my alma mater, and as you might expect I have some thoughts about this. 
I have always been a good test taker. I did well in my classes too, but I always disliked assigned homework and enjoyed taking a test. I don’t know if I was good under the pressure, good at retaining information, or just good at making guesses. My (good) guess would be a little of all three. Because of that, I never stressed about the SAT. I took it twice, scored well both times and sent that off to colleges, including GWU.
I also sent them one of the most detailed student applications, because theirs demanded more than any other I filled out. I can’t even remember all the questions they asked. I know among the few essays I had to write was one that proposed a new national monument. I envisioned a Native American hunter, surrounded by animals with his bow slung over his shoulder. I put it somewhere just off the National Mall and wanted it constructed of marble, to signify the melting pot of America or something like that. I suppose it was no surprise I’d end up taking Philosophy of Film courses.
They also asked about work I’d done with the community, my experience in band, probably even my brief stint as president of the French Club. I mention all this to say that the SAT was only a small part of that process. I have no idea how small, and I didn’t sweat it too much, but they were far more interested in me as a person rather than me as a number.
I’m proud of GW for giving this a shot, because just as college isn’t for everyone, neither are timed tests. Some fellow alumni might think this waters down their degree in some way, but I don’t see that way. I met so many people there that I wouldn’t say were good test-takers, but they made for great radio hosts or athletes or filmmakers or politicians. I have no doubt they’ll continue to find great people to fill out an even greater student body.
Hail to the buff and blue.
