Vivek Ramaswamy, a Republican presidential primary candidate and successful entrepreneur, has proposed an innovative idea to enhance the SAT exam.
Ramaswamy believes that the College Board, the organization responsible for the SAT, should incorporate a physical fitness component into the test.
Currently, many colleges consider SAT scores as a crucial factor in their admissions process. However, the exam solely evaluates students' academic abilities and does not take into account their physical conditioning. Ramaswamy argues that this omission could lead colleges to prioritize subjective factors over SAT scores, especially in light of the Supreme Court's recent decision to end affirmative action.
In a post on X, Ramaswamy outlined his proposal, stating, "There's a simple way forward that will drive excellence and diversity of talent among incoming college classes: the College Board should add a physical fitness section to the SAT, instead of just math and reading sections." He suggests that this new section could resemble the "Presidential Fitness Test," which was previously administered in American high schools until it was discontinued during the Obama administration. The proposed fitness section would include activities such as a 1-mile run, pull-ups, sit-ups, and a shuttle run.
Ramaswamy believes that this addition to the SAT would reward diverse talents and address several societal challenges. He argues, "It's a fact that those who perform well on math and reading tests tend to perform more poorly on the 1-mile run, and vice versa." By including a physical fitness component, the SAT would not only promote excellence and diversity but also contribute to tackling the growing mental health crisis in the country. Numerous studies have shown a direct correlation between physical fitness and lower rates of depression, anxiety, and substance abuse.
While Ramaswamy clarifies that this proposal is not formally part of his presidential platform, he considers it a serious solution to address multiple cultural and health challenges with a single actionable step. He emphasizes that most solutions should not come from top-down government intervention, highlighting the pro-merit nature of his suggestion.
As the Republican primary continues, Ramaswamy's unique proposal to enhance the SAT exam with a physical fitness component adds a fresh perspective to the ongoing debate surrounding college admissions and the evaluation of students' abilities.
Login