WHY ALL THE TESTS ?

In these days of "grade inflation" and inconsistent standards for assigning grades, college admissions officers need a "common denominator." They need a measuring stick that can be applied to all the applicants in an equitable way. The SAT and ACT serve this purpose.

Another important reason for giving the test is to measure "whether an applicant thinks like a successful college freshman." The tests are more about how student use knowledge than what their knowledge is. That's why the issue of "thinking like the test writer" is so important. You've got to think like the test writer thinks you need to think! critical thinking and analytical skills are required by the test, in other words when you study any subject, ask yourself questions like why is this author writing like this? or . . why this book getting this conclusions?

You have to learn how to be analytical, that is, use your own criteria when studying, ask yourself why is this? why is that?

Back to why all the testing, these are designed to predict success as a college freshman, as indicated by grades. Studies show that the SAT and high school grades predict first year college success equally well.

Remember, to be analytical you must try to learn how to develop critical thinking, and reading and excercising your subjects in High School is the only way.

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