Not Such a Bad Choice

To the editors:

As the Crimson noted, the idea of Score Choice is hardly new. ACT already has such an option, and the College Board allowed it for nearly a decade for its Subject Tests.

Score Choice rests on the same principle that has supported our admissions process for decades—that applicants should be free to present their own best case. We have always counted an applicant’s highest test scores and have allowed students to decide whether they wanted to send all their test scores.

The new Score Choice policy aligns well with our belief that the individual student owns his or her test scores and is entitled to direct their use. That same belief in the importance of the individual applicant’s freedom—and responsibility—to choose how best to make the case for admission underlies our long-standing invitation to submit essays, CDs, academic or creative projects, or anything else that best represents academic, extracurricular, and personal accomplishments.

We seek to bring to Harvard students with the maturity and independent -mindedness to exercise choice responsibly. Students can take tests knowing they will be able to choose which ones to send to colleges. The fact that test results will not automatically be part of the permanent record may also help to alleviate some of the stress that pervades the college admissions process and distorts the junior and senior years of high school.

Standardized tests are only one factor among many in Harvard’s holistic admissions process. The Committee on Admissions has always taken into account the fact that test scores can be affected by such factors as schooling, intensive test preparation, and socioeconomic background. We have long been aware that the test-taking experience of students may be affected by their financial and educational resources.

In particular, we recognize that students from modest economic backgrounds have a limited number of fee waivers for tests and may not be able to take them as many times as affluent students. We also know that research clearly indicates that score increases are generally modest after two test sittings. We will continue to review each applicant carefully with all these factors in mind.



WILLIAM R. FITZSIMMONS ’67 and MARILYN E. McGRATH ’70

Cambridge, Mass.

Jan. 14, 2009



William R. Fitzsimmons is the Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid for Harvard College. Marilyn McGrath is the Director of Admissions for Harvard College.