After the last post ECA reader Cigus Vanni reached out to me about my comments regarding Yale’s new test-flexible policy, which gives applicants the option of submitting AP or IB scores in place of SAT or ACT scores. I stated that I thought those tests were better measures of what students had learned. Cigus didn’t disagree, but pointed out a couple of things I hadn’t considered. One is that the new policy may accelerate the AP arms race, leading students to take more exams. He also wondered how a student’s decision about which AP exam scores to report might be read. Will students disadvantage themselves by submitting nothing but math and computer science scores rather than scores for a broader spectrum of subjects?
Cigus’s other point was even more profound. It is great to make reporting IB exam scores an option, but ultimately meaningless because students don’t take IB exams until the end of their senior year, after the admissions process has already played out. Cigus commented, “Someone did not think this through,” and I plead guilty, but I don’t think I’m alone. Cigus said that he had reached out to the Yale admissions office but hadn’t received a reply. I told him it was probably in the mail, but also advised him not to hold his breath.
In any case, after our interaction Cigus decided to post on the NACAC Hivemind, and it generated quite a reaction of support. I’m glad to have teed him up.