Every student knows the importance that standardized tests have when it comes to getting into college. But universities have begun to waive requirements to standardized tests. 

Standardized tests should not be dropped. They are an important factor in determining the future success of prospective college students. 

According to College Board, which creates the SAT test every year, the best determiner for the success of a student is a combination of test scores and GPA. 

But many believe GPA alone determines a good student and dropping the tests will only benefit universities across America.

The decision of some schools to waive standardized tests comes amid the extraordinary circumstance of the pandemic. 

The availability of standardized tests centers has plummeted significantly in many localities. According to U.S. News, many testing sites and dates have been dropped due to the fear of spreading COVID. 

 The Dean of Admission and Financial Aid at Amherst said they don’t want to worry students with having to test in a socially distant manner so they are dropping the test requirement. 

But this decision could greatly affect international students. 

Many colleges in the U.S. do not accept the standardized tests from other countries, so international students have to take either the SAT or ACT. 

According to Education USA, all international students are required to take standardized tests to gain acceptance into a U.S. college.

The SAT and ACT’s significance in these students’ chances of getting into universities is huge. 

From the perspective of an international student, these decisions are unfair because they do not include international students in the testing bans. 

Standardized tests even the playing field for prospective students and should be kept as a requirement for college admission.