Narrowing my focus amid the fog of college applications, I find myself thinking, “Another school with SAT requirement again.” I scored highly on several subjects in high school, so why should my college success be determined on the SAT once more? So True that before enrolling in college, American students assess their ability using the Scholastic Ability Test, which assesses the reading, writing, and math proficiency of these potential college students. The expected range for SAT scores is 400–1600, with 1600 representing a perfect score and costing $60 or more. However, “I have more than SAT”. Even though taking the SAT has historically been required for admission to colleges, I am currently limited by my inability to pay for it. The quantitative representation of my mental strength on a standardized exam is not adequate to convey the depth and breadth of my abilities. The focus on a single score obscures the range of characteristics and experiences that shape my academic future.
This slogan “I have more than SAT” promotes a paradigm shift in the assessment of academic potential. It invites educational institutions, and organizations to recognize and value the diversity of human potential. Surely, Standardized tests are helpful, but they should only be viewed as a single component of an all-encompassing evaluation that considers a student’s zeal, extracurricular interests, resiliency, and genuine love of learning. Taking this all-encompassing approach promotes the growth of an environment that acknowledges the distinct skills and potential that each student brings to the educational mosaic.
For me, being an excellent student goes beyond being able to quickly answer multiple-choice questions. It encompasses my diverse skill set, which includes critical thinking, creativity, adaptability, and a passion for learning. Recognizing these diverse qualities is essential to creating a learning environment that values my uniqueness. Recognizing my scholastic potential goes beyond the SAT and equally honors my ability to persevere and bounce back from setbacks. My ability to overcome obstacles, grow from mistakes, and keep going after goals speaks volumes about my true potential as the route of life is paved with obstacles and disappointments.
I conclude by mentioning the significance of passion and curiosity in the pursuit of knowledge. Test results cannot measure my genuine interest in a subject, my readiness to go beyond what is covered in a syllabus, or my innate desire to learn, all of which are necessary for creating a lifelong enthusiasm for education. My potential and ideas go beyond the classroom; they come from within, not from my exam scores alone.