Tri-Valley Teen Decries SAT, ACT Requirements Amid Coronavirus

PLEASANTON, CA — The new coronavirus outbreak has prompted cancellations or postponements of SAT and ACT college entrance exams across the country. Amador Valley High School student Maodan Tohouri, member of national student group Student Voice, is calling on colleges that require an SAT or ACT test as part of their admissions process to make such tests optional.

"Where we are currently are and the time that we're currently in, I think it's just going to disproportionately affect vulnerable students," said Tohouri, 16.

Student Voice posted a petition on Change.org last Monday, urging schools to rethink their usual admissions process for the upcoming admissions cycle and in the future.

Critics of the SAT and ACT note it's harder for needy students to get access to test prep that helps them score higher on the exams.

"It is critical that urgent action is taken to ensure low-income, minority and other underrepresented student groups have equitable access to the admissions process," Student Voice wrote. "Already, evidence shows that race and income impact performance on standardized tests, and COVID-19 will only exacerbate these inequities."

More people have urged colleges to reconsider the importance they have historically assigned to SAT and ACT exams after the 2019 college admissions scandal, in which dozens of parents were charged with paying to help their kids get into universities by cheating entrance exams and bribing coaches and administrators.

The petition is personal for Tohouri, a junior in the Las Positas College-based Middle College High School program. The transition to a post-coronavirus life has been overwhelming for her, she said, and her friends have the added stress of worrying about college entrance exams.

Some students are juggling responsibilities or dealing with housing or mental health struggles at this time, Tohouri said.

"In this time, trying to prepare for an SAT or an ACT," Tohouri said, "I can only imagine.

Tohouri said she first became involved with Student Voice after dabbling in organizing at Amador Valley High. She now runs social media campaigns for the nonprofit, which pushes for representation of student voices and equity in education.

Student Voice will be showcasing stories of students impacted by exam postponements and cancellations in the coming weeks as it rolls out its #TestOptionalNow campaign, she said.

Learn more about the campaign here.