Candidate Sparks Discussion on College Admissions Reform with Physical Fitness SAT Proposal
Krissy Vann | Host, All Things Fitness and Wellness
Amidst the ongoing debate over college admissions, Republican Presidential Candidate Vivek Ramaswamy has ignited fresh conversations with a unique proposal. Following the recent Supreme Court decision to end affirmative action, colleges and universities are exploring new avenues to ensure inclusivity while upholding merit-based selection. Ramaswamy's tweet suggests an unconventional yet intriguing solution, stating, "Now that the Supreme Court finally ended affirmative action, colleges will only further deprioritize SAT scores in favor of subjective factors because of large racial disparities in test results." His proposal? Incorporating a physical fitness component into the SAT.
Ramaswamy's tweet points out that the discontinuation of affirmative action might lead colleges to de-emphasize SAT scores due to concerns about racial disparities in test results. In response, he posits an alternative approach, suggesting, "The College Board should add a physical fitness section to the SAT, instead of just math and reading sections." Drawing inspiration from the "Presidential Fitness Test" that was once administered across American high schools, Ramaswamy envisions a fitness section involving activities such as a 1-mile run, pull-ups, sit-ups, and shuttle runs. This concept would effectively broaden the assessment criteria for incoming students.
This innovative proposal holds multi-dimensional implications. By diversifying the evaluation criteria, Ramaswamy's idea aims to encompass a wider array of talents beyond traditional academics. Moreover, the proposition delves into the connection between physical fitness and mental health. Ramaswamy suggests that integrating a physical fitness component could potentially contribute to addressing growing concerns related to depression, anxiety, and substance use among college students. Ramaswamy emphasized this idea is not formally integrated into his Presidential platform.
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