SAT the Wrong Choice

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Since 1952 colleges have used the ACT and SAT tests to predict how well a student will perform in college. The tests are multiple choice and usually consist of a math, reading, and writing section. The tests are standardized with the hopes that scores provide an accurate insight to a student’s college performance. However, the ACTs and SATs do not provide a fair opportunity to all students, the scores do not accurately foresee performance in college, and overlook other important areas of study.
The point the ACT and SAT is to provide a standard and fair test to all “These exams provide a path to opportunities, financial support and scholarships, in a way that's fair to all students” (About the Tests). However it is speculated that these tests do not provide an equal experience .The language used on both the ACT and SAT adds extra difficulty to tests. The ACT and SAT use “Idiomatic terms such as ‘ball and chain’ (to indicate a married partner) and ‘straight from the horse’s mouth’” (The National Center for Fair and Open Testing). To many this style of language is unfamiliar. Specifically students who have learned English as a second language are put at a disadvantage. Language is not the only aspect of the test that is biased. A biased format also causes disadvantage to female test takers. Research shows that the multiple choice format favors males over females. Males are more likely to take a risk and guess on a question. (The National Center for Fair and Open Testing). The ACT poorly measures the abilities of females who on average earn higher grades in college than males (The National Center for Fair and Open Testing). Although on the SAT guessing could result in loss of points, it is common test taking knowledge that if one ...

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...at causes test anxiety making the test much more difficult. There are many problems with all standardized tests. Colleges should not base acceptance on any standardized tests because the tests do not accurately measure a student’s aptitude to do college work.

Works Cited

"About the Tests." SAT. CollegeBoard, n.d. Web. 15 Dec. 2013.
Doherty, Brian. "Pro v. Con: Standardized Test Provide Inaccurate Judgment of Students’
College Readiness." The Patriot. N.p.. Web. 10 Dec 2013.
Grayson, Lee. "Pro & Cons of the SAT Test." globalpost. Demand Media. Web. 10 Dec 2013.
"History of the SAT: Timeline." Frontline. PBS, n.d. Web. 15 Dec. 2013.
Murray, C.. "Abolish the SAT." The American. N.p.. Web. 9 Dec 2013.
The National Center for Fair and Open Testing, . N.p.. Web. 10 Dec 2013.
Webb, Candance. "Pros & Cos of the SAT Test." Synonynm. Demand Media. Web. 10 Dec 2013.

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