Test-Optional: Filling the Gap

Higher education is shifting away from the long-standing use of grade point average (GPA) and standardized SAT/ACT test scores as the primary indicators of applicant readiness for college. In particular, a lot of criticism has been directed at test scores given the discriminatory impact of wealth: students do better if their families can provide test preparation training or tutoring. Students in families without the means, do more poorly on the SAT/ACT tests than do those in more affluent families. So, that leaves just GPA as the primary indicator. Difference Makers seeks to fill a gap of understanding about students by showcasing their social consciousness and soft skills like leadership, collaborative mindset, comfort with diversity. The program’s focus on social justice means that admissions officers can have a broader understanding of the type of student they extend offers to. This has been the case at St. John’s where service and social justice are considered highly consistent with the range of students who are offered seats each year. In fact, two of our students were extended one of the university’s most prestigious scholarships, Ozanams. One senior from Susan E. Wagner High School, #wagner2021, Nathan, who participated in Difference Makers for 2 years said, “Difference Makers provided me the opportunity to serve my community beyond volunteering my time. Through service-learning, I received lifelong leadership skills that I will be able to transfer as an Ozanam scholar at St. John’s University, where I will be attending in the fall of 2021. I feel very blessed to have been mentored by Dr. Reisel and Ms. Brogan during the two years I was a Difference Maker. Thanks to everything I learned in Difference Makers, I was fortunate to receive the Ozanam Scholarship and the Scholastic Excellence Scholarship at St. John’s. I encourage all high school students to join Difference Makers in their school preferably as a sophomore; the earlier the better, for Difference Makers will also support you during the college application process.”