Standardized Testing - What do you think?

[dymed]

I took the SAT earlier this month and did fairly well on it. (2190; alot better than I thought I'd do, heh)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4 hours from when we walked in to when we finally were let out. (including instruction reading, form filling, breaks)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It's basically testing your endurance, not your knowledge :roll:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4 hours from from walking in to walking out is pretty good. The test itself is 3 hours and 45 minutes. Two breaks of 5 minutes each make it 3 hours and 55 minutes. Then there's the waiting for late people and reading of all the directions and filling out the logistics, which is like another 20 - 30minutes. Whole thing usually takes around 4 and a half hours.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For all the people that complain about the length of the SAT and such, I hope you guys never have to take the MCATs. ;D

[runesmithie]

Yes, this topic is a bit old, but I didn't want to make a new one

 

 

 

Standardized tests truly are tricky, I got my ACT results back today and I did horribly on some of my best subjects (27 on math :x ) and the best on my mediocre subjects o.o

 

 

 

It *is* true that you will probably improve your ACT score the second time you take it :P

 

 

 

But don't expect a huge improvement unless you really had problems the first time you took it >.<

 

 

 

(Improved from a 30 to a 31 and a ginormous leap from 27->30 on my math sub :D)

[Make7upu101]

Going through my junior year now so I have to take all those tests.

 

 

 

The applications that colleges look at have plenty of problems with them. The G.P.A for example could have been a result of just easier teachers throughout high school. In this next month I have to take the SAT, English AP Exam, and the Psychology AP Exam (not going to be hard though). I took the ACT about 2 weeks ago. As much as I hate taking them I see why we need them.

 

 

 

Just a note about the ACT- I thought the SAT was in fact a harder test but the time limits on the ACT killed me. I should be getting my scores back soon and although Im sure I could have answered pretty much every question in that book I ran out of time on the last 2 sections. 35 min to do the reading comprehension with 40 questions and 4 passages.

[weezcake]

It was pointless, but at least it made for an easy few days. You'd take the tests and then hang out with your friends. Simple.

 

 

 

Wish college was as easy as that. :P

[runesmithie]

Going through my junior year now so I have to take all those tests.

 

 

 

The applications that colleges look at have plenty of problems with them. The G.P.A for example could have been a result of just easier teachers throughout high school. In this next month I have to take the SAT, English AP Exam, and the Psychology AP Exam (not going to be hard though). I took the ACT about 2 weeks ago. As much as I hate taking them I see why we need them.

 

 

 

Just a note about the ACT- I thought the SAT was in fact a harder test but the time limits on the ACT killed me. I should be getting my scores back soon and although Im sure I could have answered pretty much every question in that book I ran out of time on the last 2 sections. 35 min to do the reading comprehension with 40 questions and 4 passages.

 

 

 

Yeah, that's a fair problem at my school where some of the not so smart kids are getting pretty much 4.0 gpas because they take the easiest electives possible (we don't use a weighted system :( )

 

 

 

The SAT was definitely harder for me than the ACT, I just don't know when to stop answering and with that point reduction for wrong answers.... :P

[Giordano]

I'm having the California Standarized Testing in two weeks. (in 3nd grade it was called the CAT6, 4th grade the STAR9, then in 6th the SAT, and now it's the CST :roll: ) I dont mind though.

 

The only thing good about the state yearly test is...NO HOMEWORK :P

[Mcqueen]

3rd to 8th grade we took ITBS (Iowa Tests of Basic Skills)

 

Highschool we take ITED (Iowa Tests of Educational Development)

 

And FINALS... <-- hate finals... But they just mean another semester down, that much closer to graduation.

[knives669]

I just finished taking the end of course Geometry exam today. I personally thought it was a waste of time. My teacher told us that they sometimes make the tests very very hard, and sometimes make the tests very very easy. Just so they can toy with us and see where most people our age are... The thing is though, the end of course Geometry exam plays a VERY large factor in whether or not you pass Geometry. :( So you are basically screwed if you get one of the extremely hard tests.

 

 

 

I personally, thought that the test was difficult. I really really hope I did better than I expect to do on it... Otherwise, I just might have to retake Geometry next year. :cry:

[Mcqueen]

I just finished taking the end of course Geometry exam today. I personally thought it was a waste of time. My teacher told us that they sometimes make the tests very very hard, and sometimes make the tests very very easy. Just so they can toy with us and see where most people our age are... The thing is though, the end of course Geometry exam plays a VERY large factor in whether or not you pass Geometry. :( So you are basically screwed if you get one of the extremely hard tests.

 

 

 

I personally, thought that the test was difficult. I really really hope I did better than I expect to do on it... Otherwise, I just might have to retake Geometry next year. :cry:

 

 

 

heh.. my algebra finals will determine whether I go on to geometry or retake algebra =\

[jamman105]

I'm pretty sure im good at em. Also getting 99 percentile 5 straight years in ITBS (Iowa tests of basic skills) But thats just me

[Mcqueen]

I'm pretty sure im good at em. Also getting 99 percentile 5 straight years in ITBS (Iowa tests of basic skills) But thats just me

 

 

 

I hate those... I used to get that high in elementary.. but through middle school and into high school I've kinda given up at really trying... My parents know I could do well if I wanted to, but what's the point?

[andyrules89]

Ugh at my school in California, they are really taking this standardized testing scores seriously. As an incentive to have students do well they hold daily raffles in which one can win 1 of 2 $100 gift cards, 1/50 sodas and 1/25 pieces of pizza. If you show up everyday on time, and the teacher thinks ur taking the test seriously then you get put into a special pool where u have the chance to wind more gift cards and 1 of 2 ipod nanos...

 

 

 

There are no exceptions in hwk and tests in other classes (My bio test fell on the same day we were testing) >.<

 

 

 

well im glad i dont have to take it next year...

[fire_skulll300]

waste o time IMO why does the government care how we are doing in school

[pianofrieak2]

waste o time IMO why does the government care how we are doing in school

 

 

 

The government doesn't care...it's the colleges who do. (and, of course, you for bragging rights).

 

 

 

Basically, they're a tricky subject. In my opinion, you need them to determine aptitudes but they can be wrong.

 

 

 

For instance, on the SAT (I work at a college prep place), I have found that the best way to score high is to take classes and learn how to do the problems. If you don't do that, then it's extremely difficult to do well. (It is possible but unlikely).

 

 

 

As for the ACT, it is a more straightforward test. The SAT has all kinds of tricks and traps to get you to miss problems. That's why they're completely different tests.

 

 

 

For most of those standardized tests, I do extremely well. I honestly think their numbers are messed up though...on one test I took it said I was better than 98% of all college-bound juniors (92% as a sophomore). Now, no offense, but that's just screwed up.

 

 

 

It's like the government. You gotta have it but you can always complain about it. :wink:

[Guest GhostRanger]

waste o time IMO why does the government care how we are doing in school

 

 

 

The government doesn't care...it's the colleges who do.

 

 

 

That's downright foolish to say. Ever heard of No Child Left Behind? It's the government that creates teh standardized tests almost everyone here is talking about. The ACT and SAT are only two standardized tests out there, most of us are talking about our state-sanctioned standardized tests.

[dymed]

The government doesn't care...it's the colleges who do. (and, of course, you for bragging rights).

 

 

 

I think that most standardized tests are regulated by the government, at least here in the US.

 

 

 

For instance, on the SAT (I work at a college prep place), I have found that the best way to score high is to take classes and learn how to do the problems. If you don't do that, then it's extremely difficult to do well. (It is possible but unlikely).

 

 

 

Taking classes for the SAT is completely unnecessary. It's a waste of money. If you have the money to waste though, go right ahead, it'll definitely help, but it's not worth it at all. To do well, all you need is the self-motivation. The problem is, most kids need to be ordered by a teacher or something of the sort before they start preparing and studying. I have tutored for the SAT for the past couple years now, and I've come across a lot of different types of kids. Some definitely need the help of an actual, live person but many don't. However, none of them have ever needed one of those ridiculously expensive classes. If you have the self-motivation to study on your own and look things up and help yourself, the resources are out there. You just have to find them. You need to be willing to find things online, go to the library, Barnes and Noble, wherever. So much review material is free. At worst hire a tutor, don't go to the Princeton Review or Kaplan and let them rob you. :P

 

 

 

As for the percentiles, you need to understand that they take into account all the students in all of America. Even the ones that cut class everyday and are going into community colleges where the only requirement is that you have a pulse. The percentiles are statistically accurate, but the interpretation of them are usually very skewed. Getting somehwere in the the 97th or 98th percentile is really not as good as it seems (still something to be proud of though), when you start comparing the people who apply to top colleges and such instead of the country as a whole.

[Giordano]

Ugh at my school in California, they are really taking this standardized testing scores seriously. As an incentive to have students do well they hold daily raffles in which one can win 1 of 2 $100 gift cards, 1/50 sodas and 1/25 pieces of pizza. If you show up everyday on time, and the teacher thinks ur taking the test seriously then you get put into a special pool where u have the chance to wind more gift cards and 1 of 2 ipod nanos...

 

 

 

There are no exceptions in hwk and tests in other classes (My bio test fell on the same day we were testing) >.<

 

 

 

well im glad i dont have to take it next year...

 

 

 

And they say Arnold doesn't pay the schools :shock:

[Tetsuya]

I dont care for them much. I always end up putting as little effort as I can in them and get a low score.

[CoRnMaN]

My highschool is ranked number 3 in the state becuase of standerized testing. English 10 we waisted an entire year preparing for a standerized test. Just waisted last week preparing for a math standerized test. Instead of learning something we spent hours of our lives becoming mindless zombie math brains.

 

 

 

First 2 sections of the test I don't think I got any wrong. Next 2 sections of the test I bombed on purpose, becuase I know i'm good at math and have nothing to prove :P. And becuase the dam test dosn't even go on my record except to say that I took it.

[andyrules89]

Ugh at my school in California, they are really taking this standardized testing scores seriously. As an incentive to have students do well they hold daily raffles in which one can win 1 of 2 $100 gift cards, 1/50 sodas and 1/25 pieces of pizza. If you show up everyday on time, and the teacher thinks ur taking the test seriously then you get put into a special pool where u have the chance to wind more gift cards and 1 of 2 ipod nanos...

 

 

 

There are no exceptions in hwk and tests in other classes (My bio test fell on the same day we were testing) >.<

 

 

 

well im glad i dont have to take it next year...

 

 

 

And they say Arnold doesn't pay the schools :shock:

 

 

 

I dunno wuts going on...but things are screwed over at my school

 

 

 

Heres a list of some of the problems:

 

-Fire Alarms dont work (rather they go off at a random times and dont go off when there is actually a fire)

 

-Leaky ceilings

 

-Certain classrooms lack AC

 

-Rented used portables

 

-Students have to rent lockers.

 

 

 

:?

[runesmithie]

My highschool is ranked number 3 in the state becuase of standerized testing. English 10 we waisted an entire year preparing for a standerized test. Just waisted last week preparing for a math standerized test. Instead of learning something we spent hours of our lives becoming mindless zombie math brains.

 

 

 

First 2 sections of the test I don't think I got any wrong. Next 2 sections of the test I bombed on purpose, becuase I know i'm good at math and have nothing to prove :P. And becuase the dam test dosn't even go on my record except to say that I took it.

 

 

 

You do that at my school and it's the equivalent of a 100 point test with a big fat F :P

[trapical]

Standerized tests are a nessestity. More important than your grades really. I work in the Admissions office at my college (St. Norbert in Green Bay, Wisconsin)

 

 

 

We get 50,000 apps and can only accepts 650. Some high schools have AP classes, some have weighted GPAs, some have strict teachers, some have teachers that pass anyone who is nice.

 

Then some kids take all science classes and get a 3.3 while other kids take all home ec and fasion classes and get a 3.8, who do we accept?

 

Well lets look at the ACT, the science guy with the 3.3 got a 34 ACT (~1500 SAT) and the 3.9 guy got a 17 (< 800 SAT). Still think the 2nd one is smarter

 

? Thats a true scenario by the way.

 

 

 

My point is yes some people get nervous at big tests but they are required. All I can say is, sadly, get over your fear. Talk to a counselor, practice taking the test, etc.

[jaklumen]

Here in my state, we have the WASL for grade school, and the teachers hate it. I think there is some sentiment that emphasis should instead be placed on the SAT tests, the ACT, and maybe ASVAB (but that's really only important for students preparing to enlist).

 

 

 

I went through the school of education during my undergrad years, and I've followed some of the debate over them. I think what teachers hate the most about the WASL here is that the tests are generally focused at bringing up the bottom- focusing on students from disadvantaged areas and segments of society- migrants, poorer students, etc. The programs for gifted students are diminishing, and some parents of students with average grades say their kids are being neglected, too. In general, many believe that the U.S. government is attempting to bring everyone to the same level with the No Child Left Behind act and the emphasis on standardized testing.

 

 

 

There are worlds of difference between schools in the inner cities and impoverished areas, and schools in the suburbs and richer communities. The Chicago and Boston public school systems are often painted as academic black holes which kids can disappear in terms of poor resources and lack of academic opportunities. Wealthy parents can afford to get their children into private schools which may have better resources and opportunities-- poor parents cannot.

 

 

 

I'm not sure how to comment on the SAT and ACT-- higher education is an entirely different animal in some respects. I'm sure I could do a little research and get into a long rant about grade inflation in the colleges and universities. A college/university education doesn't quite carry the distinction as it once did as more blue collar labor is requiring degrees.

 

(Ironic-- the university degree system was designed as a academic counterpart to the trade system, i.e. Bachelor, Master, and Doctorate correlate with Apprentice, Journeyman, and Master.) There is more of an emphasis on vocational training in part, and a liberal arts education is going by the wayside. Of course, the scholarly pursuits of academia still exist, but it does not represent most of the higher education experience.

[runesmithie]

It's around the time for people who took the SAT in May to be getting results back!

 

 

 

I got mine yesterday, a 1960 (Soooo close to being above 2000 >.<)

 

 

 

650 Critical reading (ach)

 

590 Writing (ach, a 7/12 on my essay too :P)

 

720 Math (My saving grace :P)

[Omnislash42]

No child left behind is one of the biggest examples of stupid [cabbage] passed through congress in modern American government . Instead of teaching classes and skills, schools are starting to, arguably being forced to, start to just teach the tests. In not too many years, the government expects 100% proficiency. They haven't realized that it's impossible to have nobody fail. They also seem to have not realized that when 70% of one generation can pass, they're not going to magically get a higher proficiency with different people. No Child Left Behind is ruining education in america. Teaching the tests instead of teaching real information and skills is turning education into even more of a waste of time than it already is. Not to mention the pressure is cutting into art and music programs. The arts are important, and I hate to see them being brushed aside just because the government decrees you have to do better on tests.

 

 

 

Anyways, rant over on that one for now.

 

 

 

Yeah, standardized tests are a big pain. I don't mind, but that's just because I play the system. I did well enough on the PSAT that I should be able to pick up National Merit Finalist and a nice 10k a year scholarship to KU, which gets me out of going to this lame college my mom has decided I'm going to go to. She wants me to go to this small private college in california with less than 500 people, no class choices, no sports, no music. Two of the four classes are theology and philosophy, and honestly, I really don't care enough to read thousands of pages a year of old dead philosophers. Thanks to standardized tests, I have a way out. Wooh, rock chalk Jayhawk.