Grad schools should not rely on one test

EDITORIAL BOARD Editor in
Chief  Timothy Kudo

Managing Editor
 Michael Falcone

Viewpoint Editor
 Cuauhtemoc Ortega

Staff Representatives
 Maegan Carberry
 Edward Chiao
 Kelly Rayburn

Editorial Board Assistants
 Maegan Carberry
 Edward Chiao

  Unsigned editorials represent a majority opinion of
the Daily Bruin Editorial Board. All other columns, letters and
artwork represent the opinions of their authors.   All
submitted material must bear the author’s name, address, telephone
number, registration number, or affiliation with UCLA. Names will
not be withheld except in extreme cases.   The Bruin
complies with the Communication Board’s policy prohibiting the
publication of articles that perpetuate derogatory cultural or
ethnic stereotypes.   When multiple authors submit
material, some names may be kept on file rather than published with
the material. The Bruin reserves the right to edit submitted
material and to determine its placement in the paper. All
submissions become the property of The Bruin. The Communications
Board has a media grievance procedure for resolving complaints
against any of its publications. For a copy of the complete
procedure, contact the Publications office at 118 Kerckhoff Hall.
Daily Bruin 118 Kerckhoff Hall 308 Westwood Plaza Los Angeles, CA
90024 (310) 825-9898

Especially at the graduate level, a single test cannot
adequately determine a student’s ability to be successful.
There are many other factors like ingenuity, writing ability and
interpersonal skills that also play into the equation. This is why
tests like the GRE, GMAT, LSAT and MCAT should not be relied on too
heavily during the admissions process.

Fortunately, Assembly Concurrent Resolution 178 recognizes this,
and was passed by the California State Assembly Higher Education
Committee. The bill suggests the University of California should
rely less on standardized tests in graduate admissions.

Some opponents of the legislation say that graduate schools
should be held to the same standards as undergraduate schools. This
logic, however, is flawed since the size of graduate departments is
significantly smaller, allowing admissions departments more time to
thoroughly research their applicants.

Excessive reliance on test scores is particularly problematic
for prospective students of color. Standardized tests are generally
accepted as biased against them, and when graduate departments
place too much emphasis on test scores, minority admissions suffer.
A more wholistic approach to considering applicants is not only
necessary to ensuring adequate examination of all candidates, but
also in protecting diversity.

The Appropriations Committee, which is now considering the bill,
should prioritize fairness and thoroughness by voting in favor of
Resolution 178. A “no” vote is an unfortunate
oversimplification that will only hurt students and schools in the
long run.