PSATs, NMSQTs, SATs, ACTs, and XYZS???: Absolutely Not Testing College Readiness

This week, we administered the PSAT/ NMSQT to the Sophomore and Junior classes and watching my Sophomores with their #2 pencils bubbling in their answer and calculating all those math problems, I had some flashbacks of my own taking of the SATs.  I started sweating just watching them take the test!  Why are we still giving this test?  Does it really measure a student’s readiness for college? 

The four sections of this test are reading, language and writing, and 2 math sections (one with a calculator and one without).  So, hope you are good in those subject areas….then you will get into that college you want to go to!  But what about Science?  What about Geography?  Wouldn’t a section asking students to identify places on a map, political parties, weather systems, the parts of a cell also let colleges know if a student is ready for college?  Why just math and English?  And yes, for the record, as an English teacher I can attest to really struggling with some of those Math problems and then only having to take ONE math class, Statistics, in college anyway!!!!  And now I have a calculator to get me out of those pesky Math jams!

When I took the SATs, those vocabulary analogies were the worst.  And so, having the best vocabulary put you in the path of achieving a high SAT score.  I remember teachers, myself included now, describing complicated vocabulary words with, “now there is a great SAT word!”  How did that become a thing?  UGH and double UGH!  How about, “now there is a great word to enhance your conversations and writing with?” 

What a racket!  What a business!  From the College Board in making and administering these tests to all the tutoring places and individuals out there – well, there is a nice chunk of money to be made.  But for those of us that did go to and make it through college, wouldn’t we all agree that the SATs was not an accurate indicator of if we were college ready.  Here is my list for things to consider regarding college readiness:

·       Time management skills

·       Effort

·       The ability to revise and edit writing, to use feedback as a way to create a better product

·       Maturity and manners

·       Seeking help when a topic is confusing

·       Knowing your strengths and weaknesses   

·       Thinking outside the box

·       Problem solving

·       Following directions

·       How to Read a Map

Those are just several criteria that come to mind.  But, then alas will we having tutoring places pop up to teach these skills, too?  If we need so many books, tutors, review courses to take this test, isn’t is just a test to test our ability to use all the means possible to get the highest score putting lower income families at a noticeable disadvantage? 

 

I am aware that the SATs are only a part of the Admissions Process, but think about how many students do not even apply to some schools because they know they do not meet the SAT requirements.  It just doesn’t seem right. 

I am happy to hear that some universities such as George Washington, Temple, Marist, and Old Dominion ae dropping SATs as an admissions requirement.  I am hoping more do that same.