The Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) was created in 1926 as a standardized test for the application process for colleges and universities. Before the test was created mostly privileged and wealthy students were accepted to the best colleges. With this new test, more students could attend these colleges. The American College Testing (ACT) was created in 1959 to compete with the SAT.
There are several good reasons for the SAT and ACT. First, it gives colleges a measure of how good a student will do in college and if they will graduate. These tests can also help students that have lower high school GPA's get admitted into college. Another reason for taking these test is that it can help a student's chance of getting scholarships. Finally, studying for the SAT and ACT can help students prepare for college and it may also help them get into a better college.
On the other side, many believe that low-income, black, and Hispanic students have a disadvantage with these kinds of standardized tests. It is shown that white and Asian-American students score better. Wealthy people can pay for test preparation and private coaching with a fee, compared to low-income people who cannot. Some people think that teacher recommendations, high school GPAs, and college entrance exams are a better test of a student's success in college. Also, another reason that they are unfair is that some students just do not do well on standardized tests.
I think that SAT and ACT scores should not be required to apply to a college or university because I do not like the fact that it is not a fair test for every student. I believe that GPA, high school transcript and college entrance exams should be enough. I also do not agree that these standardized tests can show my likelihood of graduating from college.
Do you think colleges and universities should require SAT and ACT testing?
Would you take either the SAT or the ACT even if the college you wanted to go to didn't require it?
Cities:
https://www.bestcolleges.com/blog/history-of-sat/
https://www.usnews.com/education/articles/how-important-are-sat-act-scores-in-college-admissions8
Replies
Awesome job Henry!!
I don't believe that colleges should require ACT and SAT test scores because it's too much stress on a student and it costs some money. Students have 7 classes a day and even some have homework to finish that night. It is very hard for students to prepare for other tests while trying to stay caught up in other classes. A lot of kids have anxiety and stress which could take a bad toll on their health. These tests also can cost some money if the students really want to score good. However, tutors aren't always an option for those kids that are saving money.
I agree. These tests cause a lot of stress and we don't have a lot of time to study after a full day of school. And they can cost a lot if you have to keep retaking them for better scores.
I dont think that colleges should require SAT or ACT tests because some kids are not able to afford the tests orthey might not have enough time througout the year to study for theses test. They could also be nervouse or bad test takers. I htink that they should look at overall grades instead of the SAT and ACT scores.
I agree. Some students are not good at taking these tests and it should not be a reason they don't get accepted into a college or university.
I don't think that colleges should require the SAT or ACT because overall grades are more important than these tests because some people can't afford coaching or are just bad test takers. If a school I wanted to go to didn't require these tests then I am definitly not taking them.
I agree. I would not take the test either if I didn't need to. The tests cost a lot of money and so does the study material and classes. Not every student does well on standardized tests.