Is the SAT in Trouble?
Topics: Teen Years (13-19), College Admissions Tests
The SAT has long been a standard rite of passage for high school students across the country, but recently, it’s been feeling some heat from a competitor – the ACT. Over 520,000 students registered to take the October 28 ACT exam, 17 percent more than the previous year.
The ACT is not new: it’s been administered since 1959. In 2005, 1.2 million students took the test. For the current school year (2006-2007), that number is up 11%. In places that the SAT has long reigned supreme, particularly on the East and West coasts, ACT numbers are booming. In New Hampshire, registration is up by 98 percent. Delaware, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey have seen their numbers jump by two-thirds since last year. Twice as many students from New York, Connecticut, Georgia, and Florida are taking the ACT this year than did last. And California has seen a 35 percent rise.
Part of that may have to do with the difference between the two tests. About five years ago, the president of the University of California threatened to drop the SAT, if the test wasn’t adjusted to better reflect what the average high school student learns. The SAT got a major revamp last year, but still, critics say that the SAT is more of an aptitude test – examining a student’s facility for language and reasoning. The ACT, on the other hand, is more of an achievement test. Its sections – English, Math, Reading, and Science – measure what a student has learned in school, rather than their powers of deduction.
The new SAT has a required writing section, a boon for some students, and a curse for others. For the ACT, the writing portion is optional. Both tests can be taken as many times as a student wishes, but with the SAT, colleges have access to all their scores. With the ACT, students can withhold information, choosing which scores they allow a college to see.
For students, deciding which test to take can be confusing. The good news is, most colleges accept both. Have your child take a few practice exams of both the SAT and the ACT, then choose the one that plays to their strengths. The SAT/ACT competition may be bad for the testing companies, but it’s good for your child.
Do you think the SAT and/or the ACT are standard assessments that truly measure abilities? Why or Why not? Speak on it!
Remember to respond by Monday, Sept 21st @5pm.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
I think that they measure a person's abilities to some extent. It only measures what a person has learned in school and what they can remember. I don't think that colleges should always take them so seriously because a person often gets very nervous when going in to take the test and they mess up and do worse than they are capable of. The best way to measure someone's abilities is to meet with them personally and sit down and talk to them. I don't believe that a test is good enough to show a college how smart or "able" a person is.
ReplyDeleteThe SAT do measure a person's ability to an extent. It also prepares us for what we have coming in the future. I feel that we shouldnt have to take the test so many times though. Although, when we do take the SAT it shows what we have learned in the past. Students get frustrated when they're taking the test and don't know the answer to some questions; they have to sit and pick their best answer choice and it takes too much time.
ReplyDeleteThe SAT measures a person's ability to take a test and does not measure intellect like an IQ test for example. I also agree with Natasha when she says that colleges shouldn't take the test so seriously because some first time SAT takers don't know what to expect from the test so they become nervous and start to second guess themselves. When students over-estimate the SAT they tend to try and take the test more seriously and when they actually see the test they don't focus and score lower than what they could have scored
ReplyDeleteThe SAT/ACT measures a student's abilities but only to a certain degree, these test do not test the student's knowledge. The SAT is very difficult, especially for those taking the SAT for the first time. Students are often very stressed about the SAT no matter how many times the SAT is taken. I have not yet taken the ACT but I have heard that it is easier and it better test your knowledge. Some colleges only accept the SAT but ACT is a more accurate account of a student's intelligence. As students, we must understand that standardized test are simply apart of lives and to do our best we must try our best and prepare ourselves.
ReplyDeleteI believe the SAT/ACT measures a students ability to a certain degree. From my knowledge these test only test you on what you have learned throughout your high school year. Some of the smartest students can score low on these test, but that doesn't mean that their dumb. These test can put a lot of pressure on a person, due to the fact colleges look at these scores and based on your scores theres a 50/50 chance if you get accepted to that college. Therefore someone who may have scored low on these test may have gotten nervous, and others tend to second guess themselves sometimes.
ReplyDeleteThe SAT/ACt does not measure your abilities as a student. Personally I feel as if those two test are a waste of time. If a student has good grades and does poorly on the SAT what does that say about the student. I agree with Natasha about going into take the test and then getting nervous I don't think colleges should actually go off of your SAT scores.
ReplyDeleteJASMINE THOMPSON
I also believe that the SAT/ACT measures a students ability, to some extent. Only because this test shows what many students learn throughout their school year, but many students like myself find this test very stres full because of the fact that colleges jugde you on your score. Many students i know have taken this test and have not done their best, but that doesnt mean they dont have the apporitate knowledge, its just their nerves that got in the way of them preforming well on the test.
ReplyDeleteI BELIEVE THAT THE SAT DOES NOT MEASURE A STUDENT'S ABILITY OVERALL. THE SAT IS VERY STRESSFUL AND A VERY POOR WAY OF DETERMINING IF A STUDENT SHOULD OR SHOULD NOT ATTEND A CERTAIN COLLEGE.IF A STUDENT WERE TO PERFORM POORLY ON THE SAT THERE COULD BE REASONS WHY HE OR SHE DID NOT PERFORN WELL. I PERSONALLY FEEL THAT IF THE SAT IS SO IMPORTANT THEN WHY ARE THEY MAKING PEOPLE PAY TO TAKE IT.
ReplyDeleteFrom what i understand the ACT is alot easier than the SAT which helps alot of students. And i believe that alot of the UC's are starting to accept the ACT scores, which is very helpful because on the SAT we see alot of things we have never learned before which causes others to panic and bomb the test. The SAT really is not a good assessment to how well a student is in their nomral classes. Colleges shouldn't make that such a big part of their acceptance policy
ReplyDelete~Brandon Bingham
I think the ACT test is better then the SAT because it test you on what you have actually learn compare to the SAT testing you only on critical thinking. However at the end of the day i dont think either test really measures your ability of someones intellegence. Test to me are a joke. I dont find it fair that your ACT or SAT score should be a major factor for college admissions.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteFrom what I have experienced, the SAT does the exact opposite. These test, both, are extremely long and intense. For a person that has test anxiety the SAT and ACT is that person's kryptonite . I believe the SAT and ACT do not allow students to prove them self or show how strong of a student is. The test are to long and student become restless even after a good night's sleep. The ACT is said to be much easier than the SAT and I hope that's true. The SAT shouldn't be a requirement for college because that could also make or break a student. The SAT or ACT does not prove how good or bad one is.
ReplyDeleteI don't believe the ACT/SAT determines someones abilities. You can be the smartest kid in your grade and be a bad test takers. Some people do not take tests well that's a given. I don't like how you have to take a test just to be able to graduate to college. We've been in high school for 4 years preparing for highschool. i don't think a test should determine how we succeed in life.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteTaking the SAT and the ACT to me doesnt measure your intelligence or ability to do well in life or college. Its very hard to me to take timed test and also have somebody tell me that i cant get into college b/c i didnt do well on there bias assessment. Sometimes i think the things we learn in school and the things we get on the test are two opposites. Although i believe test should be band b/c it doesnt show all your knowledge, i am glad that Ms. Villa is prepaing us for the test so that we could prove we can do anything if we put our minds to it.
ReplyDeleteyes, i think sat measure abilities because otherwise we would not be taken the test. it also show you where you at or where yo stand as a student. some student is intimated, and regard the chances of going to college. finally i personally think that the score should not be an token into college, thats how some kids miss out on college experience.
ReplyDeleteThe SAT and Act doesnt measure a persons ability. Some people can be really smart but when it comes to standardized tests they freeze up. It shows peoples strengths and weaknesses when it comes to standardized testing.
ReplyDeleteDwayne Washington.
ReplyDeleteWell im not sure if it measures students ablilities because i havent taken it yet. I do feel that the SAT shouldnt determine whether or not you get into a college. "The College Board states that the SAT measures literacy, numeracy, and writing skills that are needed for academic success in college. They state that the SAT assesses how well the test takers analyze and solve problems—skills they learned in school that they will need in college." -http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SAT
Based on this quote, I feel the SAT is necessary because it test you on your skills that you will need to succeed. Therefore, the SAT is necessary, but it shouldnt affect the decision to accept a student to college.
The SAT and ACT do not measure a students ability. some people may frezze up or some people may have certian learning conditions that dont allow them to stay calm in long testing environments.
ReplyDeleteI believe that the SAT show nothing about a students ability in a everyday class room. The Sat and even the ACT only confirm how well a student can take a 3 hour and 45 min. test. It shows no eveidence of a students work ethics,ability to comperhend in a classroom invironment. I believe a student should not have to submit a SAT or a ACT if they feel they dont want to. Putting pressure on a student to take a test and preform very well in order to get in to a college is unfair and needs to be stopped.
ReplyDeleteNo it's not a standard assessments that measures ones abilities. The Sat only measures how good of a school you went to or how much your parents could afford to pay for prep courses. I mean, obviously it's a difference in ability, It does test your ability to work under mental pressure, vocab skills and reading comprehension skils. Honestly the main thing the SAT tests focus on is your reading ability. Even the math questions can only be answered correctly if you've got a fair level of reading skills which I dont understand.But overall it does not truly measure abilities.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteYes. I do believe that the ACT is a standard assessment. Due to the fact that standard usualy means something that is normal, and most of the things on the ACT are normal things you see in your everyday classes.
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand the SAT is more advanced "to see if we are college ready". But the ral issue is you press to study for this exam and most still end up with an average score of 1500 and 1600 which is still a fail. So I believe that the ACT is a more reasonable test to take vs. the SAT.Although colleges ask for the SAT majority of the time.
-Marquelle Camp :)
I think both test are stupid and they definetly do not measure your abilities at all. Some people are really good at math or english but they dont always get a good score because there not great test takers.Truthfully I think the SAT and ACT should cease to exist.
ReplyDeleteI believe that the Standardize testing doesn't determine if a student will do well in college. I feel that the SAT and the ACT are very stressful and it defers students from the real task at hand, getting into college.
ReplyDeleteGO KNIGHTS!!!!!!
I believe that the SAT is a test that doesn't show how a student will perform in a college. the test doesnt display how hard a person works. The test does not test one's good or bad habits. I know this kid how was in college and had an extremlly high on the test but he got kicked out because he stole and cheated. the SAT does not prove any thing to me
ReplyDeleteI believe that the SAT does measures the students test taking skills. It does not determine how well u will do in school. But it does show the school how well u work under pressure.
ReplyDeleteOkay, I believe the SAT is unnecessary because it doesnt show what a child has learned.From my experience, the SAT was quite difficult and had a hard time figuring out how this related to any material I learned in class. Overall, the SAT doesnt help measure a person's ability to test and only used as a rank among other students.
ReplyDeleteI think that they shouldnt have to take the SAT because it doesnt show what a student has learned.The SAT was hard for me and some of the stuff isnt related to the stuff we learn in class.
ReplyDeleteThe SAT/ACT does not measure a student's abilities. In no way, shape, or form do these test determine what a person is capable of. Not everyone is good at test taking, or studying for a test that makes no sense whatsoever. I've also heard that the ACT is easier than the SAT, but in my opinion neither should judge a student's abilities.
ReplyDeleteSome tests aren't as horrible as people make them to be because we, the students know for a fact that it really doesn't matter how we do. It's going to get curved anyway. However, when one see's its the SAT/ACT we get over whelmed. Even though we spent our whole lives studying for these tests not even knowing we still get nervous. We think why are we getting tested on stuff that we learned in the 8th grade? Then we don't get into a college that we like because we didn't pass as well as one needed to, however the grades were up to pair. These tests don't measure a student's abilities
ReplyDeleteI don't know that much about the ACT, but all standardize testing is a big waste of time. Half of the questions does not relate to the course's syllabus. The readings are way too long. I feel like the SAT is hurting me than helping me to into college.
ReplyDelete-Tyler Nunley
The SAT/ACT does not determine your aspects and attributes as student. Many students such as, myself, are not strong test takers, but they are well conducted people in the classroom and have qualified GPA's to attend many college universities around the nation. Not everyone is a good student in the same categories and areas of education.
ReplyDeletei do not think that the sat is biased, because the test arrives in different sections/forms and the test isn't the same. so therefore this statement is false. i think that the sat does provides your abilities to know where your standards are, and may help you qualify to go to an outstanding college. i never even had an clue to even think that the sat were commented about being biased. but overall i think that this altercations is truly false.
ReplyDeleteI believe that the S.A.T. does not measure a students abilities because it doesnt show what kind of student you are. It doesnt show what you would do if you were struggling as a student to learn the material you were having trouble with. It doesnt show the extra hours you put in of studying, or recieved tutoring as a student. It only shows whether you are a good test taker or not.
ReplyDeleteThe SAT and ACT does not measure the ability of a student.These tests were made to analyze the way we think and how fast we are able to comprehend.With that said these tests do not measure how smart u are either.For example I consider myself and above average student but my SAT scores suck.I have not yet taken the ACT but some said that it is at a much better level for high school student to manage.I do not think anyone should make drastic decision based on a simple test score.
ReplyDeleteCarlissa Kyte
The Sat/ACT surely doesnt measure tghe ability of us, as student.The test really make most student second guess colleges. The SAT/ACT tests should be banned. They don't measure how much you know. They just make you crack under pressure. It doesnt show how smart you are just makes you stress. My first SAT score was bad but I will be taking it again in October hoping i do good (crossing my fingers).I feel that all colleges should have SAT/ACT score optional because it clearly doesnt show you as a person or you effort as a future college student.
ReplyDeleteDa'Neane BEll
The SAT does not truly measure your abilities at all. A test is just a test. You can not measure someone's abilities with a test. When taking the SAT, usually whatever answer you chose first is most likely right. As for the ACT, well, I've never taken it but it's probably best to use the same strategy. Always go with your instincts.
ReplyDeleteI dont really believe that the SAT measures the abilities of the standard student because it is a test that requires mostly logic. Personally i feel that is definitely doesn't measure my abilities because I'm overall not a good standardized test taker. When taking a time test i don't do as well. If i had more time then i would do much better. Therefore the test doesn't measure the my abilities as a student. I believe this applies to a lot of students across the country too.
ReplyDeleteI haven't taken the ACT but from what i heard, its much more fair than the SAT. I plan to take it in December.
- Jaja Bakari