To the editor
The SAT stands as the most important test a high school student takes. It exists as a single test that strays from the average curriculum, determines a student’s college future, and serves to compare applicants for college selection.
However it does not do well in determining a person’s potential for college by not testing on an extensive period of time and excluding qualities such as character traits.
The SAT yields a range of scores depending on its content, a person’s mood and other test conditions. Christopher Hooker-Haring, Muhlenberg College’s dean of admissions stated, "The things that the SAT doesn’t really measure are things like motivation, tenacity, work ethic."
Upon acceptance, colleges review grades, SATs and outside activities. Unfortunately, colleges pose a standard SAT score for those accepted. By judging a student on a single test, admissions officers overlook aspects such as personality, attitude, and socialization.
Originally, the SAT served to discover talented scholars from outside the college and wealthy communities. Unfortunately, the SAT has turned into a sport in which students expend years of training, an unfair advantage for those lacking the opportunity to afford the instruction. SAT preparations, an expensive industry, cost approximately $200 for a class and around $70 an hour for a private tutor. During these sessions, students learn how to master the exam.
Truly, each test taker does receive a practice pamphlet allowing the ability to learn tactics. However, so much emphasis on the outcome of the SAT via tutoring and learning strategy caused the extinction of its original intent.
The SAT should just end as it has blossomed into a game; one accustomed to a game will generally do better than someone playing as a novice. Perhaps colleges should find another way to examine applicants such as diverse tests unique to each college revised annually.
Therefore, no student will master the test, leaving colleges choosing prospective students based on their own standards. An interview could be conducted for smaller colleges to test applicants for personality and motivation. From there, larger schools can adopt the method.
Hillsborough High School

