Tests measure a student’s understanding of a particular subject or subjects. They act as guides for educators to focus on particular areas of learning.
Arts, athletics and academics all play a role in the development of high school students which are not all covered in the SAT and ACT tests. Colleges that place too much emphasis on academic achievement ultimately disadvantage students attempting to enter that college. Athleticism and arts remain an important but unappreciated aspect of high school education.
In an article published on PrepExpert, Shaan Patel argues that G.P.A variability, test-taking discipline and the competitive nature of college admissions make the standardized tests a sufficient evaluation of a student’s eligibility for that school.
Standardized testing allows for easy vetting of applicants, but possibly overlooks gifted students because depending on the score
The SAT and ACT does not measure certain traits that lead people to success, such as determination. Rather, studying for a singular test may encourage a pattern of repetition and fail to transfer into quality skills.
One singular test should not be a key factor in deciding admission or rejection into an institution. A student may test while sick or overly stressed, hampering performance. Some students naturally take tests very well, while others may struggle with a test even though they understand the material.
Tutoring for standardized testing may give advantages for those who can afford the help versus those who are unable to financially.
Education that is reduced to the outcome of a test creates an academic system where teaching how to improve test scores substitutes for the overall education of a student.
Many colleges now make the SAT and ACT optional for students to take, and not mandatory for enrollment into their university. Fairtest.org provides a list of colleges that do not require students to take the SAT or ACT.
Colleges send out scouts and recruiters to find the best athletes for their college. Students recruited by scouts are often the recipients of scholarships and benefits. Students also can receive academic scholarships, but based on test scores.
College scouts not only look at athletes’ performance on paper, but they also watch how they perform in game situations. Athletes who perform well in practice may not execute the same level of ability in game situations.
Colleges looking for students who stand out academically should not rely on standardized tests to determine how equipped, but instead examine well-roundedness, engagement in their communities, and leadership abilities.
The SAT and ACT tests allow for easy vetting of candidates applying to a university. However, ultimately short-hands students who struggle with achieving on the specialized test, but excel in their classrooms and communities.
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