A Note on Admissions Tests

Admissions tests like the SAT, CLT, and ACT have been historically required for students wanting to enter college. Not only did the tests give the colleges an idea of a student's abilities, but they also helped colleges find students and students find scholarships. In the past 10 years, there have been multiple studies showing the dwindling importance of these tests. However, thousands of students each year still complete them. While many colleges are becoming "test optional", they still look at the admissions test as an equalizer. Every high school varies in its education practices, so having a common test to reveal a student's knowledge, ability, and competency can be a helpful resource. 

Does college admission testing really matter anymore? 

While the admission process changes each year, completing an admission test is still beneficial to our students. 

1. The test connects students to colleges. 
   • • When a student completes the application for an admission test, they are placed on the mailing list of colleges. This sort of acts as the introduction for the student to start scoping out college options. 
2. The test opens scholarship opportunities.
   • • Colleges aren't the only organizations looking at test scores. A large portion of scholarships are given to students based on test scores. As mentioned above, the test provides a common ground for assessing students across the world, and scholarship groups know that. 
3. The test gives your student a chance to compare himself to his peers
   • • Most of us despise comparison, but the fact remains that we all fall into this habit. Completing a test helps our students assess themselves. Knowing that you performed well on the SAT math portion gives you confidence that you will be on par with your colleagues in engineering.
4. The test scores help colleges choose a student's course load
   1. • Many colleges will determine the level of course work for a student based on test scores. This is especially true for math. Whether a student is ready for college calculus or algebra can often be found by evaluating a student's ACT math scores. 

In conclusion, while there's plenty of stress, annoyance, and frustration involved in continuing the testing process for our high school students, the benefits are still obvious and worthwhile. If you have a student who's planning to pursue a college education, then please consider taking at least one of the college admission tests available.