Villa Backs Initiative to Remove Standardized Test Scores from College Applications

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Students would no longer be compelled to submit scores from standardized college admissions tests like the SAT or ACT on college applications under new legislation sponsored by state Rep. Karina Villa, D-West Chicago.

“With my experience as a school social worker, I know firsthand that there are many factors that may negatively impact a student’s performance on standardized tests,” said Villa. “Standardized tests are not proven to be a strong indicator of academic performance and achievement, so other factors like the student’s GPA, extracurricular activities and references should be taken into higher consideration for college admission.”

Villa is sponsoring House Bill 4064, which would create the Higher Education Fair Admissions Act. Under this measure, colleges, universities and other institutions of higher education could no longer require applicants to submit standardized test scores, like those from the SAT or ACT. Instead, students will have the option to voluntarily submit their scores if they so choose. One in four colleges in the United States does not require standardized test scores for admittance, including the University of Chicago, which reported record enrollments of first-generation, low-income and rural students after transition to this admissions process.

“Public higher education should be easily accessible, but underserved schools and low-income students disproportionately receive lower test scores than their high-income peers, meaning that college becomes less about furthering education and more about socioeconomic status,” continued Villa. “This legislation will ensure that all students that want to go to college have a fair shot at acceptance based upon their merit, not their performance on one test.”

For more information, please contact Rep. Villa’s constituent service office at 630-326-9319 or at StateRepKarinaVilla@gmail.com.