I think that schools in low SES areas are going to be hurt on this all the way around. Low SES schools often don’t have science clubs, olympiads, speech teams, math clubs, model nations, robotics & coding clubs, etc. etc. There are very few opportunities to shine outside of GPA and test scores and sports.
Our low SES school completely has grade inflation; basically to get these kids to pass and graduate.
How on earth will low SES schools show kids with potential if there aren’t opportunities for them through the school? those standardized tests are very important to identifying raw talent in the low performing schools.
EG: Recently an immigrant kid from a school in the district got in to Harvard with 28 ACT - showing raw potential. No way that kid would have made it without that test because that kid spent all their time working for the family after school; no ECs, national competitions, etc.
On the flip side is that low SES schools do have some families who have figured it out; and their kids are involved with everything possible and look great on paper. Top 5%, AP classes, leadership positions. Yet, in reality, the kids are not passing any AP tests and are getting lowish ACT scores. Big fish in little ponds; the quality is not there though.
I just don’t get how AOs will discern from these low SES schools . Or if they will even look at them.