Should Standardized Testing Be Compulsory For Students

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Around the country, students of all ages are taking standardized tests. In order to get into college, all students have to take a standardized test, either the SAT or the ACT. However, colleges should make standardized tests optional so students with learning differences or those who cannot afford tutors can be judged equally. Going test optional would benefit both colleges and students because colleges would be able to see the student for who they are rather than as a number, and students would better be able to understand colleges. We are constantly being told that standardized tests are a good way to compare us to our peers, but that is not true. Though both tests have been around for a long time, it does not necessarily mean that they work. …show more content…

However, they are wrong. Because there are so many unseen variables, a standardized test will not always reveal a student’s true potential. A rich student may have an advantage over a poor student because the rich student can afford tutors and the poor student can’t. Someone with learning differences will also have a different way of thinking which can hinder their abilities to convey their thoughts properly. According to PBS online, the SAT has been around since 1926 and the ACT has been around since 1959, although that does not necessarily mean that they accurately test aptitude. Colleges use standardized tests to judge the quality of potential applicants. However those with less funds or with learning differences may not be able to address the test in the same quality as those who can afford tutors or who do not have differences. This gives some students an advantage over the others. Though the SAT and ACT have been around for a long time it does not mean it is the best way to judge a students

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