Standardized tests: Less standards for colleges

It is finally here. The moment has arrived. After almost twelve years of public schooling, your mother decided to test everything you have ever learned on a simple four-hour test. Sound familiar? Throughout the United States, thousands of high school students take the ACT and SAT to impress the college of their dreams. However, in the past few years, colleges have taken less interest in the scores from standardized tests and focused more on the capabilities of the students themselves.

Have you ever taken an IQ test? Most people have. For some very bright people, taking IQ tests are a breeze. They can predict patterns quickly and are able to process things in their mind quicker than the average person. IQ tests are designed to measure the speed that your mind can learn and process information. The most important part of an IQ test is for it to be timed. That way your ability to process information can be measured.
Standardized tests are no different. They too are timed! As high school students across the nation take the ACT, many of them nervously glance at the clock, realizing they still have another passage to read or 10 more math problems to complete before time runs out. Is it possible for a hard-working straight A student to do poorly on the ACT? Of course it is! That is why colleges are beginning to realize that many of the intelligent, hardworking students are being neglected of their ability. Having a high IQ or scoring high on the ACT does not test effort, it tests speed and accuracy.
In the future, we can expect that many schools will look at ACT's and SAT's lightly when admitting students. They will most likely only use the standardized test scores as a way to determine certain scholarships. That should bring a relaxing feeling to the many high school students taking these tests for years to come. Mom and Dad can finally relax knowing that their hardworking child will be noticed.

Learn more about this author, Samuel Grace.
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