Support for Implementing Standardized Exams in College Application Processes

In the latest development at Holy Cross, Ashwin Prabaharan, a prominent figure on campus, has announced his candidacy for Co-President of the Student Government Association (SGA) alongside Luke Cambra. Prabaharan, who is also the Chief Opinions Editor at the college's publication, has penned an op-ed titled "Ashwin Prabaharan and Luke Cambra for SGA Co-Presidents," published in the "Opinions" section.

The op-ed does not provide any new information about the SAT or its role in college admissions. Instead, it offers Prabaharan's personal insights on the matter. It is important to note that the op-ed was written in a personal capacity and does not reflect an official endorsement from the SGA or any other campus entity at Holy Cross.

Prabaharan argues that standardized tests such as the SAT offer an objective, uniform, and accredited measure to bring greater insights into the academic capabilities and potential of applicants. He highlights that SAT scores, derived from three sections: mathematics, reading, and writing, are administered by the College Board.

The op-ed acknowledges the issue of accessibility and affordability that has plagued the debate over SAT scores. Critics argue that students from affluent backgrounds have an advantage in test preparation. However, Prabaharan points out that the SAT requires students to practice fundamental concepts in math and English, but in a manner that commands the deductive abilities of a student, posing questions that are not necessarily straightforward so as to challenge - beyond standard academic standards - a student's ability to understand and solve a problem.

Prabaharan also addresses the concern that college admissions officers find it difficult to ascertain academic capabilities if high schools have vast or minor differences in evaluating students without a corresponding standard to uniformly assess them. He suggests that the SAT provides a common ground, offering a standardized approach to evaluating applicants.

Noteworthy, Dartmouth College and Yale University have reinstated the requirement for SAT scores for undergraduate applications. This decision underscores the importance of standardized tests like the SAT in college admissions.

The op-ed is not directly related to the topic of SAT scores in college admissions at Holy Cross. However, it offers an interesting perspective from a student leader who is deeply involved in campus affairs and journalism.

Two photos of Ashwin Prabaharan, one taken by Charlotte Fallon '26 and Mara Galvin '24, and another taken by Valentina Moran '23, accompany the op-ed, providing a visual insight into the candidate.

It is worth mentioning that Prabaharan's colleague, Parker Richards, holds the position of Chief Opinions Editor at Dartmouth College. This collaboration between student leaders at Holy Cross and Dartmouth College underscores the shared commitment to fostering open dialogue and intellectual discourse on campus.

As the election for SGA Co-Presidents approaches, students at Holy Cross will have the opportunity to consider Prabaharan's vision for the future of the campus, as outlined in his op-ed and his work as a Staff Writer and Chief Opinions Editor at the publication.