The essays have been proofread and spell-checked by brothers, sisters, aunts, third cousins and college guidance counselors; the resumes printed on thick, cream colored papyrus meant more for medieval manuscripts than college applications. It’s that time again for high-school overachievers who have been studying for their AP exams since they left the womb — candidates applying to Cornell early decision must have their applications postmarked by today.

Historically, the Scholastic Aptitude Test has been an integral part of the college process; a 1,600 — or 2,400 now — was a virtual “golden ticket” to the university of one’s choice (not to mention a good excuse to start second semester senior year early). But now, with several college adopting test-optional policies and new studies linking test performance with socio-economic status, SAT I scores no longer have the clout they once did.

While Doris Davis, associate provost of admissions and enrollment, said that Cornell has no plans to phase out the SAT I, the admissions office views the test “only as one of many factors,” considered in a candidate’s application. We support Cornell’s decision to de-emphasize the importance of the SAT I, particularly because it innately favors candidates from higher incomes who can afford tutoring, and is not a good indicator of one’s academic achievement.

But while some institutions, like Union College and George Mason University, are eliminating the need for SATs all together, this is not an appropriate measure for Cornell to take. While there are certainly ways to “crack” the SAT I with enough time, money and dedication, the SAT II subject tests, on the other hand, are more difficult to ace because they require mastery of specific academic subjects that even extensive tutoring cannot help with. Students can therefore devote their studies to fields they are most comfortable with. An aspiring engineer might choose the Chemistry and Mathematics tests, while an English major may be inclined to take Literature and Writing. Since Cornell needs a standardized way of evaluating candidates, the admissions office should thus emphasize these subject tests over the SAT I. After all, college is about pursuing personal academic passions, rather than mastering analogies and reading comprehension passages.