| Standardized tests taken by college students | | | | In lieu of the 1600 point grading scale that was in |
| nationally are heavily weighed as part of a complete | | | | place, 2400 points scale has replaced that. Also, a |
| application. There is obviously trepidation and stress | | | | writing section has been added in addition to the |
| over the actual test taking process. Before the tests | | | | math and English sections. Some other subtle changes |
| are taken and once they are over, it's important to | | | | to questions have been made in the past few years. |
| keep in mind the affect that these tests have on | | | | It remains to be seen whether students are reaping |
| acceptance to a school. Many people have spoken | | | | the benefits of these changes. |
| out against standardized tests, claiming they are a | | | | The ACT is also a common college admissions test, |
| poor representation of a student's intelligence or | | | | yet many students opt out of taking it. Not all |
| academic potential. The fact remains, standardized | | | | schools require this test be taken-which measure |
| test are very important to colleges when it comes to | | | | proficiency in science, social studies and other specific |
| admissions. | | | | subjects. This test is scored on a 1-36 point scale. |
| The reason some students and administrators have | | | | Students can opt to take additional writing ACTs if |
| been in opposition is because standardized tests are | | | | they deem that a necessary part of applying to |
| given and scored in a uniform or standard way. While | | | | college. |
| accommodations are made for students with | | | | Both of these more common tests have national |
| disabilities, but most other students who may have | | | | testing dates that are have registration on certain |
| emotional problems or are simply not good test | | | | days. Preparing for these tests well in advance and |
| takers are all painted with the same brush. One or | | | | using sample materials to study can make a huge |
| several test days can literally mean the difference | | | | difference in performance come test day. Stress isn't |
| between acceptance and denied admission to a | | | | an inevitable part of standardized testing. Being |
| school. | | | | prepared and knowing what questions will be asked |
| Knowing the importance standardized test have for | | | | can greatly reduce anxiety and demystify the whole |
| colleges, it is therefore important to be prepared | | | | process for student test takers. |
| before taking a test. Some students opt to take test | | | | It is an unavoidable fact that students wanting to |
| prep courses or even hire private tutors to prepare | | | | gain access to public and private four year colleges |
| for this major test. The fee that students pay these | | | | will need to take standardized test as a show of |
| professionals to help them with standardized tests | | | | their academic status. It's important for students to |
| are often deemed worthwhile when test scores are | | | | remember that while important, these tests aren't |
| received or if a second or third attempt reaps | | | | the only way colleges judge college worthiness. |
| greater scores. | | | | Colleges realize that achievement and success over |
| Recently, in response to opposition to administering | | | | time is more likely an indication of future success |
| of the most popular standardized test, the SAT, | | | | than one day of tests. |
| changes have been made to improve the test itself. | | | | |