Standardized tests such as the SAT and ACT have been widely accepted since the 1900’s. Many prestigious colleges like Harvard believed strong intellectual applicants attending less academically strong schools would have a higher chance of being identified because of the SAT and the ACT. In recent years, SAT and ACT scores have been declining and many are now arguing that standardized test scores aren’t as representative of a student as much as their grades and GPA.
When the college admissions look at a student’s transcript, they will see the classes they took and the grades they received. The grade a student receives in subjects provides an insight to their strengths and weaknesses.
A student’s GPA is built off of assignments, projects, and tests. The grades you receive accurately reflect your understanding of the material as well as your work ethic and willingness to push yourself to a higher standard. An accumulation of good grades and achievements accomplished by the student over the course of their four years of high school can show how they would be successful in college.
The classes a student chooses to take accurately reflects their capabilities. In many schools, students get to choose what classes they would like to take. The choices they make, whether it’s honors or standard, a science oriented elective or art, these choices show schools what their applicants are most interested in and or are best at.
All of the work a student compiles in class, they were taught how to do. They were given an explanation and were provided with examples while learning the material, then went onto complete various assignments helping them understand the concepts further.
During the spring of 2020, around the COVID-19 pandemic, many colleges and universities in the U.S. stopped requiring the SAT and or ACT as a part of their application. Since then, more than 80 percent of colleges no longer require these standardized tests.
Taking standardized tests can feel daunting and overwhelming to some students, this stress can often result in poor performance from the student. Research has found that a student’s stress level averagely rises around 15% throughout the week standardized tests are scheduled to be given. standardized tests are scheduled to be given.
The questions asked on the SAT and ACT aren’t always straightforward, attempting to work out the question while watching the clock countdown the seconds can cause students to mess with their own minds. Contemplating if they should sit and really work out the problem, or just give it their best shot and continue onto problems they may better understand. These tests are no easy task for students, we all know these scores could affect the chances of getting into certain schools.
Ultimately, I believe a student’s GPA is a more accurate representation of what kind of student a college applicant is rather than standardized tests. When you graduate high school and begin college, you will take tests based on the information you have learned in class. You have notes and resources to study with. You’re able to walk into that classroom feeling confident and ready, because you have a general idea of what will be on the test.
Yes, you can take practice tests, find books, and hire tutors to help you prepare for your SAT or ACT, but at the end of the day the reality is you could be thrown any question.
