Standardized College Admissions Tests

Just mention college applications and the first thing that comes to mind is the standardized testing. Standardized college admissions tests have been plaguing high school students since the early 1900s, adding another stressful component to their already busy lives, myself included. Preparing for the ACT, SAT, and SAT II’s was definitely the most stressful part of the college application process and one of the most trying aspects of my high school career. Instead of studying for the ACT/SAT, students could be concentrating their attention on more important academic and social activities that could be beneficial for them in the future. Also, these tests impede the assessment of creative thinking and they may not truly reflect the student’s knowledge or aptitude. Although the students are the individuals taking the tests, the standardized testing process also affects the students’ families. Not only does it cost money to take the tests, but it is also pricey to purchase practice books or sign up for preparation classes. Plus, not all families have access to these testing advantages. The colleges themselves are another stake holder in this argument. For them, standardized testing is practical, efficient, and objective because the tests can be graded by machines instead of being affected by grader moods and biases. Colleges also argue that standardized testing teaches students test-taking skills and better prepares them for tests in college. As well as colleges, high schools are also involved in this argument because they are ranked by how well their students perform on the standardized tests. Plus, it is their responsibility to sufficiently prepare students to take the tests.

Through this project, I hope to show the advantages and disadvantages of standardized college admission tests and how the process relates to the students, their families, their high schools, and their prospective colleges.