Published online in:
AERA Open
June 25, 2019

Emily E. Cook, University of Virginia
Sarah E. Turner, University of Virginia

Abstract
When students with the capacity to succeed in a four-year college do not take a college admission test, this represents a potential loss of opportunity for students and colleges alike. However, the costs of testing—both pecuniary and non-pecuniary—may exceed the benefits for students who lack the interest in or qualifications for college attendance. In states like Virginia, access to admission tests varies markedly with district and family circumstances. We estimate that universal testing in Virginia could increase the number of high school graduates with test scores competitive for admission at broad-access universities in the state by as much as 40%—and at the most selective institutions, nearly 20%—with larger increases for low-income students. Alternative policies that encourage testing among students with high demonstrated academic performance could realize nearly these increases without generating testing costs for students who are unlikely to attend a fouryear college.

Read the news release - "Study Snapshot: Missed Exams and Lost Opportunities: Who Could Gain from Expanded College Admission Testing?" - here. 

Study: Universal SAT testing in Virginia would identify more prospective students for major universities
The Washington Post, June 25, 2019

For High-Performing, Low-Income Students, Taking a College Admission Test for Free Could Be a Game-Changer
Education Week, June 25, 2019

Low-income students and those in small districts least likely to sit for college entrance exam
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, June 25, 2019