Post by jewelspike on Oct 13, 2009 21:44:33 GMT -5
For many years, prospective college students have had to take the SAT or ACT in order to get into college. Originally, the test was designed to allow colleges to admit students based on merit, rather than money (George W Bush notwithstanding).
But now fascination with the SAT has gone out of control. In many high schools this week, the school day is being interrupted in order to administer the PSAT, a preliminary test just to prepare student to take the SAT. To me, all these PSAT, SAT, and ACT exams are just pointless.
These tests no longer serve their original purpose. Rich students still find ways to get into college simply by hiring expensive tutors for the SAT. The test no longer serves as an accurate predictor of college success, since males score better on these exams, but they are less likely to graduate than females. Also, the SAT doesn't take into account student maturity, so that a student who fails the test might study hard in school, or a student who excels on the test just spends all day at college partying.
I think they should get rid of these tests and just use the high school record to admit students, since high school GPA is a more accurate predictor of college success than any exam scores.
But now fascination with the SAT has gone out of control. In many high schools this week, the school day is being interrupted in order to administer the PSAT, a preliminary test just to prepare student to take the SAT. To me, all these PSAT, SAT, and ACT exams are just pointless.
These tests no longer serve their original purpose. Rich students still find ways to get into college simply by hiring expensive tutors for the SAT. The test no longer serves as an accurate predictor of college success, since males score better on these exams, but they are less likely to graduate than females. Also, the SAT doesn't take into account student maturity, so that a student who fails the test might study hard in school, or a student who excels on the test just spends all day at college partying.
I think they should get rid of these tests and just use the high school record to admit students, since high school GPA is a more accurate predictor of college success than any exam scores.
