Standardized testing is stressful; from months upon months of preparing to waiting anxiously for the results, it seems as though the pressure and tension will never end. Many students are agitated and uneasy when it comes to tests that are known to be a key factor when applying to college. Do important tests such as the SAT and ACT measure a student’s intelligence, ability, and readiness for college? According to a 2015 poll from “NEA Today”, a website that includes articles from the National Education Association, the majority of Americans believe that high school should focus on educating students aside from the standardized tests due to this controversial question.
One or two test scores should not define you as a student. To start, multiple choice questions, which compose most of the SAT and ACT tests, do not allow a student to show and explain their reasoning behind an answer, which is something that can measure the amount of depth and intelligence in a student. Valerie Strauss, a journalist for The Washington Times, writes, “It [multiple choice] alters the tone of learning, shifting it away from a constant process of reconciling old thinking with new data, and toward something of a pitch-and-fetch scenarios.” Instead of showcasing your knowledge, you are forced to choose between four or five options, which can cause stress in an already stressful environment.
The grades that are earned in a high school classroom are a more effective way of assessing a student and their capability. By looking over class averages, GPA, and even extracurricular activities, colleges can get a better understanding of who they are accepting into their school. Some students, for example, are not great test takers, but if they display hard work and prove their dedication in other areas, it is just as important.
Recently, more and more colleges are making standardized testing scores optional; Wake Forest University, George Washington University, and Texas A&M are just a few, but there are hundreds of other colleges that have followed in their footsteps. Although standardized tests are notorious for being immensely stressful, taking them may end up being quite beneficial later in life as it prepares you for exams that you will most likely encounter in the future. “Test-taking skills not only help students achieve in the classroom, but are applicable skills in college and the workforce,” said an author for the Miami University webpage. Despite the flaws, go in with an optimistic, clear mind and try your hardest, because the outcome may surprise you.
