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Remember what the purpose of the exam was... They weren't testing your knowledge, they were testing your social class. At the time Harvard was a school for th
by mathattack 12y ago
Remember what the purpose of the exam was... They weren't testing your knowledge, they were testing your social class. At the time Harvard was a school for the white upper crust private school elite of the Northeast. This test ensured that they could fill their classes with just those people.
It isn't a perfect meritocracy today, but they've come a long way in being more inclusive.
- rab_oof 12y agoIt's childish to downvote something unwritten that needs saying as important as historical discrimination. Even though the context of society at large was also extremely discriminatory, yet the loss of and failure of not capitalizing on bright minds and talent for any attribute was and is a disgrace. It's unpleasant to say or think about, but it's necessary to be broadly and deeply educated in reality. Also, one could argue SAT, ACT and similar standard tests often reinforces subtle biases along the lines of IQ tests. Otherwise, the test itself is curious and reasonable for an entrance examination. (Personal note: My parents refused to take me to interview to private primary schools that required pictures (We couldn't be more WASP) because they were firmly against supporting the inculcated exclusivity of attributes ahead of merit.)
- mathattack 12y agoSATs, ACTs, alumni preference and other current admissions policies reinforce biases too, but any admissions standard will. (If it helps to get one into college, wealthy parents will find a way to optimize their kids around it) It's a matter of degree, and in the past, top schools were much worse.