| Standardized tests taken by high school students | | | | The ACT scores are based on a 36-point scale, but |
| nationally are heavily weighed as part of a complete | | | | there is no required writing section. Students may opt |
| application. There is obviously trepidation and stress | | | | to take the writing section if their potential colleges |
| over the actual test taking process. Before the tests | | | | require a writing test. Students may take only one of |
| are taken and once they are over, it's important to | | | | the tests, or both. |
| keep in mind the affect that these tests have on | | | | Still, standardized tests play a large role in the college |
| acceptance to a school. Many people have spoken | | | | admissions process. Some schools place great |
| out against standardized tests, claiming they are a | | | | importance on a student's performance. Therefore, |
| poor representation of a student's intelligence or | | | | high school students should prepare accordingly. Test |
| academic potential. The fact remains, standardized | | | | prep means different things for different students. |
| test are very important to colleges when it comes to | | | | Some take test prep classes, or read advice books |
| admissions. | | | | and take sample tests. Others hire private tutors to |
| The reason some students and administrators have | | | | help with their test scores. These tutors can be very |
| been in opposition is because standardized tests are | | | | expensive, but some swear by their help. Many |
| given and scored in a uniform or standard way. While | | | | students will take the test multiple times, paying the |
| accommodations are made for students with | | | | testing fees again, and see their scores increase on |
| disabilities, but most other students who may have | | | | their second attempt. |
| emotional problems or are simply not good test takers | | | | Both tests are administered across the country on |
| are all painted with the same brush. One or several | | | | national testing days. They both have national early |
| test days can literally mean the difference between | | | | and late-fee deadlines to register. The key to a strong |
| acceptances and denied admission to a school. | | | | performance on both tests on any day is preparation. |
| Recently, in response to opposition to administering of | | | | Some stress is inevitable, but taking practice tests, |
| the most popular standardized test, the SAT, changes | | | | sleeping well the night before and arriving early can |
| have been made to improve the test itself. In lieu of | | | | eliminate unneeded worry. A clear mind allows testers |
| the 1600 point grading scale that was in place, 2400 | | | | to focus on the task at hand and the truth that, |
| points scale has replaced that. Also, a writing section | | | | although important, the SAT and ACT are just tests. |
| has been added in addition to the math and English | | | | Standardized test aren't the only indicator of student |
| sections. Some other subtle changes to questions | | | | potential used by colleges, but they are one of the |
| have been made in the past few years. It remains to | | | | most important. High school students will need to take |
| be seen whether students are reaping the benefits of | | | | either the SAT or ACT at some point if they want to |
| these changes. | | | | attend most colleges. If a high school student is |
| The ACT provides another standardized test option | | | | knowledgeable about the tests, prepared, calm and |
| for students. Some schools require only the SAT or | | | | focused then many college search doors will open up. |
| the ACT but many schools accept scores from both. | | | | |