Standardized college admission tests have been around since the early 1900s and have been used by many secondary schools as a gauge of the mental capacity of prospective students. In recent years, however, there has been much discussion and research done on the true effectiveness of these standardized tests. Because of this, some colleges no longer require students to submit an SAT or ACT score. Proponents of the elimination of standardized tests point out that these tests hinder the creative, "out of the box" thinking that may help students later in life. These tests are also an additional, time consuming stress on students' lives; time that could be funneled into more worthwhile academic endeavors. However, supporters of the SAT, ACT and other such standardized tests point out that these tests provide students with invaluable test-taking skills which will help them in college.
I chose this topic because the SAT is an influence that directly affects my life. Starting in middle school (and possibly even in elementary school), the SAT has been a three letter acronym that lurked quietly in the back of my mind. I've always heard horror stories of how horrible the SAT's were and was even exposed to its mindwrecking influence directly when I took it in the 7th grade. The research topic that I will be exploring is: "Are standardized college admission tests an accurate gauge of students' abilities?"
