As a former SAT Coordinator at international high schools, my view on the SAT’s role in university admissions is nuanced. While I advocate for test-optional or test-blind policies, Yale’s new approach, allowing IB or AP results instead of SAT scores, is a welcome compromise. This policy acknowledges the effort of students who’ve tackled university-level courses in high school, sparing them an additional hurdle. However, grade inflation remains a concern, especially in systems without externally moderated exams. Here, the SAT could serve as a necessary data point in applications. Yale’s policy represents a step toward more inclusive admissions, valuing students’ diverse academic experiences.
