The next whine will be that the application fee doesn’t nearly cover the cost of reviewing the application.
Remarkably, they don’t have this problem in Canada, where you need the GPA and the test score to get into the school. So those who don’t have the qualifications, just don’t apply.
Get rid of test optional. That will weed out a lot of people who were top 25% at mediocre high schools who thought that this year just might be the year for them, since they didn’t have to submit that sub-1300 SAT score, and with a fee waiver, they might as well submit plenty of applications.
When the pandemic is over, and when standardized test scores are required again, thinks will return to normal. Kids with lower test scores but remarkable circumstances will still apply, but those with borderline stats and low scores will realize that it’'s a waste of time and money, and apply to schools they have a chance at getting into.