but what are the alternatives to SAT/ACT? In my mind they're even worse:

1. number of AP/IB classes student took (mostly dependent on how rich the school and how attentive and educated their parents are)

2. participation in extra-curriculars (again, participation in things Model United Nations are highly highly correlated with wealth)

3. volunteer experience or other outside of school experience (again highly correlated with wealth, students working pizza delivery at 16 don't have time for volunteering)

I'm not saying the SAT/ACT is perfect, but at least everyone can easily get free or very cheap study materials and practice exams online and from libraries.