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MIT brings back the SAT/ACT testing requirement for admissions

Discussion in 'BBS Hangout: Debate & Discussion' started by Os Trigonum, Mar 29, 2022.

  1. Os Trigonum

    Os Trigonum Member
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    We are reinstating our SAT/ACT requirement for future admissions cycles

    https://mitadmissions.org/blogs/ent...act-requirement-for-future-admissions-cycles/

    there is no path through MIT without mathematics

    excerpt:

    Our research can’t explain why these tests are so predictive of academic preparedness for MIT, but we believe it is likely related to the centrality of mathematics — and mathematics examinations — in our education. All MIT students, regardless of intended major, must pass two semesters of calculus, plus two semesters of calculus-based physics, as part of our General Institute Requirements.⁠ The substance and pace of these courses are both very demanding, and they culminate in long, challenging final exams that students must pass⁠ to proceed with their education.⁠ In other words, there is no path through MIT that does not rest on a rigorous foundation in mathematics, and we need to be sure our students are ready for that as soon as they arrive.⁠





    ​
     
    #1 Os Trigonum, Mar 29, 2022
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  2. StupidMoniker

    StupidMoniker I lost a bet

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    MIT doesn't want to say it, but the SAT and ACT are proxy IQ tests. The reason they predict success in academia is that they measure intelligence. Not surprisingly, being smarter will help you in school, particularly in rigorous math and science curricula.
     
    #2 StupidMoniker, Mar 29, 2022
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  3. Jugdish

    Jugdish Member

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    Is it common for schools to not consider SAT/ACT now?
     
    #3 Jugdish, Mar 29, 2022
  4. Invisible Fan

    Invisible Fan Member

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    #4 Invisible Fan, Mar 29, 2022
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  5. REEKO_HTOWN

    REEKO_HTOWN I'm Rich Biiiiaaatch!

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    YIKES lol. If they were a measure of intelligence you wouldn't have a Billion dollar industry that prepares kids for it; not by making them smarter but by showing them how the test itself works.
     
    #5 REEKO_HTOWN, Mar 29, 2022
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  6. tinman

    tinman 999999999
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    Good
    No dumb art history dropouts
     
    #6 tinman, Mar 29, 2022
  7. Reeko

    Reeko Member

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    SAT is just as much a measure of test taking skills and being able to afford a tutor or prep course than actual intelligence
     
    #7 Reeko, Mar 29, 2022
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  8. tinman

    tinman 999999999
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    if people can't count
    then you can't count on them
    @J.R.
     
    #8 tinman, Mar 29, 2022
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  9. Os Trigonum

    Os Trigonum Member
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    yes there's a bit of gamesmanship involved, but when you're talking about students at the very top, tutors and prep courses aren't helping successful MIT applicants get the pair of 800s that get you in to MIT. And then once you're there, you stay there, pass your first year and second year courses, and succeed in four years graduating on time.

    Those students are both smart but have also had the right kind of college preparation throughout their entire elementary and secondary years of schooling.
     
    #9 Os Trigonum, Mar 29, 2022
    pirc1, Cokebabies, Sweet Lou 4 2 and 1 other person like this.
  10. tinman

    tinman 999999999
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    #10 tinman, Mar 29, 2022
  11. Sweet Lou 4 2

    Sweet Lou 4 2 Member

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    I agree the prep courses can help you improve your score but it's not going to take you from a 500 to an 780. It may not be a real measure of intelligence, but it is a measure of how dedicated you were to those disciplines throughout your primary education.
     
    #11 Sweet Lou 4 2, Mar 29, 2022
  12. tinman

    tinman 999999999
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    #12 tinman, Mar 29, 2022
    rocketsjudoka and Os Trigonum like this.
  13. StupidMoniker

    StupidMoniker I lost a bet

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    Just because something is not a perfect measure of something, doesn't mean it does not measure the thing. SAT and ACT are imperfect IQ tests. If you give two people the exact same prep, the smarter person will get a higher score. They are not the only two proxies for IQ test either. The Wunderlich, the ASVAB, the LSAT, and I am sure many more exist. Tests that are not specifically measuring knowledge, but which focus more on reasoning and speed generally are measuring intelligence.
     
    #13 StupidMoniker, Mar 29, 2022
  14. rocketsjudoka

    rocketsjudoka Member

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    I agree there is inequality built in the system and the SAT and ACT are a reflection of that to some extent but I still think there is value in taking those tests. Yes to a large extent how well you do on them is a measure of how well you take tests but in nearly every profession you still have to take tests to get licensed or to advance in that profession.

    I'm not sure how we expect students to not take the SAT to get into college but then later on to take the MCAT and Boards so they can become a doctor.
     
    #14 rocketsjudoka, Mar 30, 2022
  15. rocketsjudoka

    rocketsjudoka Member

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    I wasn't allowed to use a calculator too as a kid but that wasn't just due to my parents but they wouldn't allow them in school.
     
    #15 rocketsjudoka, Mar 30, 2022
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  16. Os Trigonum

    Os Trigonum Member
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    #16 Os Trigonum, Mar 30, 2022
    tinman likes this.
  17. tinman

    tinman 999999999
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    Don't know, but back in the day if you didn't have to take the SAT or ACT that meant you went to community college or Phoenix Online

    @Os Trigonum
     
    #17 tinman, Mar 30, 2022
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