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Standardized tests are a fact of life for high schooltest is scored on a 1-36 point scale. Students can opt
students applying to college. Their scores on the testto take additional writing ACTs if they deem that a
are heavily weighted in the college admissions process,necessary part of applying to college.
and stress among high school students runs high duringDespite the concerns, standardized tests scores still
test season. Despite stresses, and the protests ofcarry lots of weight in the college admissions world.
many students and teachers that claim the tests areThey are vitally important, and students should prepare
poor representations of a student's ability, standardizedappropriately. For some students this means investing
tests are still a major part of college admissions.in test prep materials, books or even private tutors.
Knowing their full affect on college admissions will giveThe fee for private test tutors is often quite high, but
students peace-of-mind before and after the tests.some give them credit for raising test scores. Other
Why are some students and administrators opposedstudents take the test multiple times. They have to
to standardized tests? The detractors say thatpay the test fees multiple times, but scores often
because the tests are too rigid and paint all studentsincrease on the second attempt.
with one brush. The tests are given and scored in aThe ACT and SAT are administered across the
uniform way, which gives an edge to students that arecountry on their own national testing days. Students
good test takers. Students that are presentation,must register beforehand, and there are national
writing or project oriented may not perform to theiron-time and late registration periods for high school
potential, some say. Plus, the test only measuresstudents. Either test can be demystified and
student achievement on one day.conquered through preparation and planning. Practice.
In response to complaints about the SAT'sSleep well the night before. Arrive early. These simple
shortcomings some changes were made in attemptstactics reduce stress and allow students to focus on
to make it a better, more accurate tool. The 1600 pointthe task at hand.
grade scale has been scraped in favor of a 2400It is an unavoidable fact that students wanting to gain
point scale. A new writing section was added to theaccess to public and private four year colleges will
multiple-choice English and math sections. The changesneed to take standardized test as a show of their
were recently implemented and test observers cannotacademic status. It's important for students to
yet tell if these changes are indeed improvements.remember that while important, these tests aren't the
The ACT is also a common college admissions test,only way colleges judge college worthiness. Colleges
yet many students opt out of taking it. Not all schoolsrealize that achievement and success over time is
require this test be taken-which measure proficiency inmore likely an indication of future success than one
science, social studies and other specific subjects. Thisday of tests.