I get what you're saying but A) I don't see how they can bring them back after this and B) doesn't the same argument about other application dimensions just extend to the effects of coronavirus? I would imagine richer students are also completing more coursework (possibly paying for online college courses), are more able to find alternative extracurriculars, etc.

The SAT actually seems easier to keep somewhat level during this time to me, as long as admissions counselors have some recognition of the drawbacks.

I also wonder about the distinction between "not required" versus "not considered". It becomes a weird mental game if submission is still considered just not required.

>) I don't see how they can bring them back after this

What difficulty is there? As they've announced it's removed due to events this year, I honestly can't guess.

On B, I said it skews more towards the rich this year. Most years everyone at least has their school day.

If it is not required, it just becomes extracurricular. If it's not considered it's useless.

I think it isn't really comparable to an extracurricular, especially not if similar schools continue to require it. It would basically be an extracurricular that you know everyone has but only some people are choosing to report it. That just seems like something that could subconsciously affect judgement even if admissions tries to be agnostic.

The reason many colleges are changing it to "not required" is because so many students are unable to take the test this year.

Something that is not required but still considered is beyond the curriculum, or extracurricular. Many colleges have allowed you to submit both the SAT and ACT, admissions uses all the data available and the student should present themselves as best they truthfully can.