Why Standardized Testing is Seriously Messed-Up
What I’m about to talk about will unintentionally stress you out because your parents, your teachers, and the college process have taught you that TWO TESTS will show prospective colleges just how smart you are. That if you score too low, at some colleges, your application could be tossed in the trash--and, if you score just high enough, you might have a shot at acceptance. I’m here to tell you, that the ACT/SAT standardized testing industry is just a money hungry business--and quite frankly, is a load of bullshit.
Imagine: you’re sitting in a densely packed room at a school you don’t go to, with kids you’ve never met before, you have 2 or 3 finely sharpened pencils at your disposal, and a large water bottle by your side. In just a few minutes, you will take the ACT/SAT, and your scores, good or bad, can be sent to colleges to aid or demolish or your admissions chances. Are you nervous? You should be.
Now, imagine two kids. Let’s call them Luke and Brett. Both hard workers. But Luke, underprivileged, Not only has he not been afforded the luxury of an intimate private school education,but he has barely been able to afford to prepare for this test at all. ACT/SAT test books can be priced up to $100 dollars. Mock tests? $145. Group classes? $1000. And tutors? Up to $500….an hour. On top of all this, students are pressured to begin preparing for these tests months, even years, in advance. In total “properly” preparing for these exams can cost well over a staggering $20,000 a year. Something this future college applicant just could not afford.
Now, let’s talk about Brett. Unlike Luke, Brett was given the privilege of a private school education, ACT books, classes, tutors, and mock tests. Brett has a head start in the race, he knows the tips, tricks, and shortcuts to this test--he knows how to get a good score.
But it’s ok, right? Because these tests are supposed to convey general knowledge...right?
I can attest, that from personal experience, they do not. These tests, whether their makers will admit it or not, have an abundance of pre-calculus on each of their respective math sections.
But, why is this such an issue?
Well, because not everyone finishes pre-calculus by their junior year. In fact, the order of math classes in the average high school is: Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2, Precalculus, Calculus.This signifies that many high schoolers are merely beginning their algebraic journey in their junior year--the time when one generally takes the ACT/SAT, and just because particular students aren’t in the highest math level it doesn’t mean they’re “less intelligent.” This brings me back to “the tutor” or “the group class.” Because, for kids who aren’t in the “right” math class, their parents, if they can afford it, have hired a high-priced tutor to make sure their children know EVERYTHING they need to know for this test. But, what if you can’t afford a tutor? Well, this test is just general knowledge, right?
Calculations from the National Center for Fair and Open Testing state that children of wealthier families tend to score up to 400 POINTS more on the SAT than families with a lower income. This exhibits how tutoring and preparation, which is mainly available to the upper classes, can help determine one's college fate.
Let's talk about Luke and Brett again. Now, imagine they both have ADHD, a complicated learning disorder which prevents one from maintaining a steady focus. Sophomore year, Brett’s family paid at minimum $4000 to have neurological testing done in hopes of obtaining any sort of accommodations. What is seemingly a step in the right direction is, in fact, not. This is because Luke, like so many of the other “Lukes” across the country, could not afford to have this testing done, and is therefore taking this test without extra time. This is unlike all the “Bretts” who, because of their financial privilege, received full accommodations.
Students are not the only ones noticing the abundant classism intertwined with taking these tests--colleges have as well. Wesleyan, Bates, GW, and over 900 OTHER SCHOOLS do not require applicants to send in their test scores! This signifies a change in the way colleges determine an applicant's qualifications. However, this is still far from ideal: there are thousands of colleges who still require test scores. It has become vital that colleges acknowledge that these tests are a for profit business. Tutoring centers, like Bespoke, have opened up with a direct purpose of getting you that perfect score. Doctors charge thousands in order to get those with disabilities a fair shot. These tests themselves have released their own high priced self-guide books!
And, even taking the test itself costs money! Signing up for the test WITH WRITING costs $60! And soon, that $60 can become riddled with add on fees: $15 dollars for registering over the phone, $49 dollars for being placed on a waitlist, and $24 dollars for changing the date. Standardized testing has become a runaway train and will continue to spiral out of control until the colleges themselves put an end to it.
Now, the irony in this article? I have a tutor, I have an ACT book, my parents and I are in the midst of deliberating whether I should join a group class, and I’m taking a mock test next weekend. I am Brett. I recognize the luxuries I am afforded--but, we cannot turn a blind eye to the classism that coincides with these tests. I have a head start, and that is not fair. This, is why standardized testing is not a proper measure of one’s intelligence.
