This debate brought up a number of good points from both sides of the argument. Even after all of the evidence was presented, I still found it impossible to make a decision one way or another. I can see the advantages and disadvantages of both sides.
In favor of creativity being considered, I think it would be good to further diversify admissions criteria to encourage a wider spectrum of applicants. Creativity tests could help us move away from the "teach to the test" mindset that we face in today's school system and trickle down to more creativity in the classroom. It would also place less pressure on students to do well on the SATs and give them more freedom to prepare for the admissions area that they felt they could perform best in.
In opposition, many schools already implement tests of creativity for the majors that would require the most creativity. For example, the music department at Etown requires a separate audition process from the regular college admission process. Introducing creativity tests would add another element of stress for applying students. Even if creativity was only used as a component of the overall picture of a student, it would still be looked at as a possible means of failure to exceed by those students. Performing poorly in one area could make or break a student's acceptance and many may think it would be an unnecessary and unfair means of measuring a student's possible success.
At the end of this debate, I was still unsure about my position because I could see the advantages and disadvantages of both sides. I think the debaters did an excellent job of concluding our class's debates.
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