I think the worst thing about standardized tests is the score results. I've noticed that alot of comparing of SAT scores has gone on in the last few days at my school. While it's okay in some place, like with people you don't know, it becomes a whole other thing when it's with friends and family memebers.

My sister and I took the SATs together and she's 18 months older than me. When we recieved our scores, I had 400 more points than her. I don't feel badly that I did well, but I feel bad for how she must feel (even though I'm not sure if she does).

I think alot of this has to do with competition. Even if not stated, often it is implied, so when its not a competition, it's hard to break that mindset.

Standardized test scores are a really tricky thing. They're important, but a test can't measure everything. Sometimesa I think scores should be strictly confidential so no one feels bad at all about them.

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You'll be like 20 minutes from my house (And less than 2 miles from where I hope to get accepted for next year) lol.

That's really good though. Clark is a wicked good school. I know like 6 people who have graduated from there and they all liked it.

We should start a thread where all the seniors tell us where they;ve been accepted to college and where they're going.

Yeah I know a few people who went and they all loved it., Two are currently enrolled. It is a good school. I will now transition over to the other thread. Good idea!

You'll be like 20 minutes from my house (And less than 2 miles from where I hope to get accepted for next year) lol.

That's really good though. Clark is a wicked good school. I know like 6 people who have graduated from there and they all liked it.

We should start a thread where all the seniors tell us where they;ve been accepted to college and where they're going.

Yup. That's it, and I'm very sure I'll be in attendance next fall. Yes, yes, I have decided. I just need to figure a few more (minor) effecting things and then I will send in the paperwork.

Clark in worcester, FOD? My friend travis wants to transfer there. I like Clark.

Yes yogore, it is a pretty wide range, which is why it's being considered ineffective as a "standardized test". However, it is not very common to do that much better or worse. I studied very hard after my first test but only got 60 points higher on the second time around.

bluedemocrat, I do agree with you for the most part. We should have some sort of evaluation, but a much more broad-based assessment would be better in my opinion. I've heard a little about the European exams after what we know as their senior year. Although colleges base a lot of their emphasis on this alone, it is done directly through the government because post-secondary education is like high school over here; people still pay taxes for everyone to go. That may be one fault, though, is that it is all controlled by the goverment, so there is probably less competition and less strive to be the best school. I could talk forever about this, but I'm going down to Clark U. in about an hour.

I'm in agreement with everyone else about standardized testing. I did well on the PSATS (fifth highest in my class). I also do well in school. However, I know many other high-achievers who did very poorly on the PSATS and low-achievers who did a lot better. Sucess in college is not dependent on IQ. Sure, it helps to be smart, but dedication and hard work are more important.

That being said, I do think that there should be some sort of national test like the SAT. I think it is important that college are given some sort of idea about your reasoning/test-taking ability. The test also provides colleges with some sort of comparison between particular students. I do believe, though, that the SATS should not be such a great factor for determing college admissions. Students should mainly be admitted based on high school achievement.

I'm in agreement with everyone else about standardized testing. I did well on the PSATS (fifth highest in my class). I also do well in school. However, I know many other high-achievers who did very poorly on the PSATS and low-achievers who did a lot better. Sucess in college is not dependent on IQ. Sure, it helps to be smart, but dedication and hard work are more important.

That being said, I do think that there should be some sort of national test like the SAT. I think it is important that college are given some sort of idea about your reasoning/test-taking ability. The test also provides colleges with some sort of comparison between particular students. I do believe, though, that the SATS should not be such a great factor for determing college admissions. Students should mainly be admitted based on high school achievement.

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Originally posted by freedomordeath:
I hated the SATs. It does give a good RANGE, but that's about it. within 200 points is what I've heard. Anyways... Yeah, I hate standardized tests

200? That's huge....

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Originally posted by ilovebush:
yeah, I dont really like standarized tests because they are a poor way of judging your intelligence. But about keeping them confidential so no one feels bad - youre going to go through your whole life and have people that do better/worse than you. People have to accept that they are weaker in some areas than other people, its just a fact of life.

That's really true, there will always be someone better than you, and you might be weaker in an area, but people base importance on intelligence sometimes. Alot of the time, wealthy kids get the upperhand on education, and alot of underpriviledged children don't get a sufficient education. But, it doesn't mean they can't funtion as well in society and they are less important. I think I went off on a tangent, must be harboring some animosity.

I hated the SATs. It does give a good RANGE, but that's about it. within 200 points is what I've heard. Anyways... Yeah, I hate standardized tests

yeah, I dont really like standarized tests because they are a poor way of judging your intelligence. But about keeping them confidential so no one feels bad - youre going to go through your whole life and have people that do better/worse than you. People have to accept that they are weaker in some areas than other people, its just a fact of life.