One way that a college can objectively compare the academic performance of a student with that of other students nationwide is by looking at the student's:
a. personal statement.
b. class rank.
c. letters of recommendation.
d. standardized test scores.

The correct answer should be D. Standardized test scores

Personal statements and letters of recommendation are very unreliable because one can lie in them, while class rank is unreliable because a some schools and some classes are better than other classes and other schools. Standardized test scores would give objective knowledge of individuals.