The tests are reviewed by outside organizations, and ETS continually monitors to make sure the test is measuring what it was meant to measure. ETS provides information to the score users and test takers about the appropriate uses of test scores. It is easy for universities to rely heavily on test scores to sort students. The test scores are not intended to be relied upon as a sole means of making decisions. In response to Senator West's question of how much weight universities should give test scores, Dr. Yopp said that institutions should give test scores enough weight to yield the students who best match the mission of the institution.
Scores are especially useful when all the applicants have high GPAs.
Senator Bivins noted that there is an inherent conflict between schools that use test scores as a sorting mechanism and ETS statements that schools should not rely so much on the test for that purpose even though the test scores can often help at schools where GPAs tend to be nearly identical. Jeff Sandefer said some schools like Harvard give lower weight to standardized scores because tests measure only part of what is needed to be successful, but that test scores, especially in mathematics, can be very predictive of performance. Senator West asked how ETS conducts sensitivity review, noting that ETS has been heavily criticized on this point. Dr. Yopp said that ETS looks at the whole test creation process to ensure fairness, equity and that the tests meet the needs of multiple cultures. Each stage of the question-writing process is subject to review.