Father of child about to go to college
- The SAT and ACT have been difficult. We are trying to get a state scholarship but my daughter needs a 20 ACT or 970 SAT. She has a 3.8 GPA and got a 19 ACT 960 SAT. The kicker is a student with a 3.0 GPA and a 20 ACT or 970 SAT will get the scholarship. They are saying one day of testing is more important than 4 years of grinding it out.
- —Guest bob
I want to go to college!
- I am currently a junior in high school and took my very first SAT today. It was long, draining, and I felt rushed throughout the whole thing, especially the math portions which I didn't finish. I think the SAT is basically torture to do to any kid. We have to put through enough in school itself. I realize that it's something used to determine who should get accepted, but I feel like it should be easier than taking a test that really isn't relevant to what we've learned or will learn. It seemed like a test to see if you're a genius, which I for one am not. I try hard in school, I want to go to college and get a job. But the whole competitive thing and stress overload might just kill me. I don't think life was supposed to be this way:/ P.S. The SAT in 6th grade? Pretty sure I didn't even know what it was at that age.
- —Guest Junior
Outcomes Research
- Research indicates there is little correlation between ACT scores and GPA after the first year of college. Many students do not test well but can set the curve over a semester in the classroom.
- —Guest Ann Logsdon
Great!
- UCLA here I come! "Some children have true test anxiety when it comes to national tests and are quite bright, able to succeed in school." agreed. I had a 3.5 high school average and a low SAT score.I was so nervous, I didn't finish the test!
- —Guest lilmisssmartypants
Absolutely
- Some children have true test anxiety when it comes to national tests and are quite bright, able to succeed in school.
- —Guest Susan
Required
- I think that the SAT/ACT should be required. These scores aren't everything in a college application, and they help colleges look at things a little more objectivly instead of on the bias that they like piano players over athletes. Colleges have sometimes thousands of applicants, and many have great extra-curriculars, volenteer work, etc. how do you decide except with grades and test scores? While we're debated the fairness of SATs/ACTs why not the interveiw process? I personally do great with tests and grades etc., but when it comes to being interveiwed by anyone, I get choked up. What if I'm not accepted because I just happen to be uncomfortable with the interveiwer? The whole process is subjective, but if you wanted a truely objective way of looking at everything, lets all just send in our names and ages.
- —Guest anon
SAT/ACT already are Optional
- The SAT and ACT are already optional. Nobody is holding a gun to your head requiring you to go to college. If you don't like the ACT/SAT then you can always get a McJob for the rest of your life. If you do wish to go to college, then you have to take a few hours of your time and do well on the test. If you don't do well prep classes can raise your score signifigantly. And I'm sure some colleges don't require the SAT or the ACT. These colleges also are probably community colleges that offer much less benefits than a university. However, I do see the other argument. I protest the use of numerical values to define human life.
- —Guest anon
My son, the 7th grader
- I believe that these tests are essential. I just dropped my 12 year old, 7th grader off a the local college to take his first ACT test. We were there with about 50 high school kids. My son was chosen to start taking these tests so early because he is highly intelligent and he is ranked in the top 95 percentile in the nation due to his 6th grade math scores on his SAT test. On that test he scored 98.9 percent in math and 94.9 percent in english. He was 1 out of 59 7th graders chosen to take this test sponsored by Duke University. This is a wonderful thing for a single mother of 2 who could not afford to pay for college in these times. His 7th grade math teacher told me that it would be a waste of knowledge for my son not to go to college. These tests only help not hurt. Those who are complaining are the ones that don't want to go to college and make anything out of themselves.
- —Guest 1proudmomma
Don't bother
- Much ado about nothing, I say. Don't bother. It's just another way for publishers and schools to get even more money out of you (over and above the obvious discrimination of it all). You would be better off spending time between high school and college working and traveling and getting to know yourself and interests better as a person. THEN apply to a college (as a more mature adult) who has reason and inclination to BE in college (as opposed to going just because it was expected of you). In fact, you may find that your "passion" does not require a college degree to pursue as a career. Imagine the savings!
- —Guest Matlock
My Opinion
- Our government is taking the wrong steps toward evaluation! Because of our different systems of education and the varying quality, a person's ability cannot be judged through this test. The truth is, is that it is biased towards the more EDUCATED. Some children had the benefit of being homeschooled, having one on one attention, while others were maybe placed in an environment where it was hard for them to succeed. As long as you can hold an education of all core courses in high school, then I say the rest is irrelevent! The SATs may measure education but it DOES NOT measure aptitude like it was originally created for. Something more along the lines of an legit IQ test would seem much more logical to me. Anyone else agree? What about the brilliant dyslexic or the ADHD child that has a high IQ but impaired with a small attention span. The SATs don't allow for movement and don't give with these people's needs. Who graduated from Harvard and is now thankfully out of office? Think about it.
- —Guest Undercover
TOO MANY VARIABLES
- The main point on any standardized exam is this: the caliber of education provided by your institution, i.e. high school. There is so much disparity in education; teachers, curriculumn, state funding,and so on, that not all students get the same education as their cohorts. The questionis how do we mend the gaps? I can tell you all that in 1986 I scored a 780 on the SAT, yet, went to college in 1987 (17years old; failed out (lack of good study habits, maturity), worked for two years (mill), joined the military, got discipline, now I have 3 degrees to include a Masters in Healthcare. The desire, discipline, character, and the proper guidance is what has contributed to my success. Does standardize test show your desire and character; NO! But it is one tool used to determine your potential to succeed, academically at the next level. There is no surprise of the expectation to do well on these exams. Lets focus on equalizing education and opportunities for all students. Just my thoughts
- —Guest FPFINLEY
Not as simple as yes or no
- I'm currently a high school student. My view is that tests don't always illustrate a student's capabilities. However, what other rubric would colleges use that would be fair and unbiased? Just because you're not a good writer or not good at extrcurricular activities does not mean you're not smart. If there would be a change in the future and it would be optional, you would first have to change the way students are being taught from middle school and up. It's all test-based learning nowadays, and I have become a victim of it. I learn how to answer, but sometimes I forgot what I have learned the next day after the test. Which really sucks! I want to learn, but I also want to get into a good university, so its hard not to become a "robot". kevin_zhong@nuevaera.com
- —Guest Kevin
Should be optional
- The SAT/ACT can be a usual tool for evaluating applicants if they choose to submit it, it should not be held against those who choose to not submit it. The test should be optional as it is usually biased toward students who come from wealthy/higher middle class and non-minority backgrounds.
- —Guest Higher Ed employee
SAT's not requied
- I do not think that SAT's should decide if you get into college or if you dont. Yes I think we should take them but how can you determine a persons knowledge on a test. They should base it on how you perform academically during your high school years. I think it would be much less stressful on students
- —Guest Guest Unknown
Definetly Optional
- I'm a student NOW, and i'm not stupid. I won't lie; I hate taking tests. The SAT should be optional no matter how heavily its weighted. It is just one other thing for students to make a mistake on, just one other thing for colleges to look down on. I'm not saying all colleges shouldn't require it, just that the few that don't should be allowed to pursue the choice.
- —Guest guest
