Diane Ravitch once said, “Sometimes the most brilliant and intelligent students do not shine on standardized rests because they do not have standardized minds. The SAT (the Scholastic Achievement Test), a standardized test widely used in college admissions, has long been a subject of debate regarding its ability to accurately reflect a student’s true potential. From my perspective, the SAT does not effectively measure one’s real potential. As a poor test taker who struggles with anxiety and attention deficit disorder (ADD), I’ve experienced firsthand the limitations of this assessment.
Firstly, the SAT heavily relies on timed, high-pressure conditions, which can exacerbate test anxiety for many students. Those, like myself, who experience anxiety find it difficult to perform at their best under such circumstances. This creates an uneven playing field where performance may not accurately reflect a student’s actual abilities or knowledge.
Moreover, the SAT fails to account for the diverse learning styles and challenges that students face. For individuals with ADD or other learning differences, the standard format of the test may not be conducive to showcasing their true potential. While accommodations such as extended time may help mitigate some of these challenges, they do not address the fundamental flaw in using a single test to evaluate diverse skill sets and talents.
Furthermore, the SAT primarily assesses aptitude in math and language arts, neglecting other important skills and qualities essential for success in college and beyond, such as creativity, critical thinking, and practical problem-solving abilities. I am well-versed in Math and proficient in English, but my major(s) are science based. In a world that not longer revolves around Reading, Writing and ‘Rithmetic, I find it puzzling why so many colleges still focus on these antiquated standards. If the world is so STEM based, why are we not tested on all STEM components?
I believe that the SAT does not accurately reflect the real potential of students, particularly those who struggle with test anxiety, ADD, or other learning differences. Furthermore, the SAT is primarily focused on Math and Language Arts which does not reflect a diverse group of learning. A more holistic approach to college admissions, one that considers a range of factors beyond standardized test scores, is necessary to truly evaluate the abilities and potential of each individual.