In the Name of Meritocracy: ACT, SAT, and College Admission of Racial Stratification

• In Event: 44.084 - Roundtable Session 18
  In Roundtable Session: 44.084-13 - Questioning Equity and Measurement: Criticality in Research on College-Going Policies and Pathways

Abstract

Four-year college attendance is an increasing push of K-12 schools and societal discourse, with degree attainment correlating to greater job opportunities and earning potential (Baum, Ma, & Payea, 2013). Standardized test scores (i.e., ACT and SAT) serve as a primary component in admissions policies throughout higher education. Through Critical Race Theory tools, colorblind racism and meritocracy (Crenshaw, 1997; Harper, 2009; Horsford, 2014), we explore the notion of whiteness as property rights (Harris, 1995; Patel, 2015; Vaught & Castagno, 2008) in the University of Denver Undergraduate Admission (DUUA) process. Specifically, we analyze the DUUA policy of requiring student applicants to submit standardized test scores for admission and merit scholarship decisions, elucidating the impacts on educational opportunities for students of color.

Authors

• Justin TenEyck, College Track

• Tara Meister, Pacific University