Why is the ACT exam a requirement for most Colleges?

Question

Most students fear tests, therefore when it comes to taking the ACT most will fail, or get a lower grade than others. Students ability should not be based on the test itself, but on the motivation that the student has in attending a college. For example; I myself hope to go to NMSU, but when I took the ACT I got a 18, when the requirement is to pass with a 21 or higher, so what if I am willing to do good in my college classes and those students who have passed the ACT and have been given the opportunity to go there do not take advantage of the courses like I would.

Answer 1

The problem is, how do you quantify motivation? There isn't an exam you can take for that. Also, you have to take exams in college. You fail the class if you don't pass the exam, and if you aren't a good test-taker, will you be able to pass the exam? Think about it.

Answer 2

You can always apply for conditional enrollment that would be conditional on your GPA for the first 30 credit hours or so.

Another way around it is to earn enough college credit at another school that they will accept you as a transfer student. Most schools don't even look at ACT/SAT scores for transfer students with a certain number of hours. (Usually a minimum of 12 semester hours, but check NMSU's transfer policy to be sure.) It is likely that you could do this at your local community college while still in high school. (Call NMSU & be sure that they will accept credit from whatever school you want to transfer from FIRST!)

Answer 3

It is false that MOST fail or get a lower grade than others.

Standardized tests such as the ACT and SAT are not perfect, that's true, but they are a general measure of a student's aptitude.

Sorry that you got a score lower than you would have liked, but prep for them again and take them again and hopefully you'll do better next time.