Why have an SAT or ACT determine your ability to succeed in college? What's your take on entrance testing?

Answer 1

My opinion is that they have NO bearing on your ability to succeed. Other than gaining entrance to the school in the first place. Your success in college is based on hard work, knowledge, willingness to learn, and drive.

Answer 2

There are many statistics that show a high correlation between low SAT/ACT scores and dropping out within the first year or 2. Clearly, the tests do indicate something. The standardized tests focus on organization, attention to detail, decision making, and stress-management - all relevant for college success, no doubt.

With that said, I fervently believe that these tests are NOT a good tool for either students or universities. In a perfect world, each school could administer it's own entrance exam (perhaps varied by desired major) to assess the student's knowledge, and conduct an interview to assess the less quantifiable qualities like stress management. Unfortunately, this is not an expense schools and students are willing to accept. Instead, when applying to college, graduate school, med school, law school, business school - you name it! - students must take an incomprehensible test that nothing in their experience directly prepares them for, and schools must use a faceless number to make their decisions.

This is why I'm proud to work for a company that helps smart students succeed on these exams by de-mystifying the rules of that particular game. We help students ace these tests specifically so schools can get past the number and make a decision based on who the student is.

Answer 3

Mine didn't even count at my school, nor did my AP score. They put me where they wanted to based upon the results of their own little test. Some other schools offered to let me skip some classes though....

I don't see why they even do it unless it is for money (from people taking more classes than they need to) since most colleges will literally accept anyone at all who can pay them. It's not about scholarship at all, unfortunately.

Answer 4

I feel that both of those tests measure what you've learned before getting into college, and then the colleges tend to see that as how well you learn, retain information, etc.