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Grex Hangout Item 3: The SAT: An online discussion
Entered by fungster on Sun Jun 6 08:06:27 UTC 1999:

This is the discussion board that I promised to set up in response to the
issues brought up in my senior project presentation. For those of you who
don't know what I'm talking about, please see
http://www.cyberspace.org/~fungster/project.

Here are some questions that I'd like to throw out:

* Do you think the SAT is necessary?
* Should all standardized tests be eliminated? Are some better than others?
I made the case that the ACT was superior to the SAT in that the ACT covers
real, quantifiable skills that relate to college success definitvely. Is that
right or not?

Of course, I'm always free to respond to comments or criticism.

(Please note that only the powerpoint is online as I type this, my 27-page
thesis and other components, as well as the web links to "extra information"
and to other sites on the SAT, are not online yet, and will not be until after
I graduate June 11.)

In addition, I'd like to hear about your experiences with the SAT, or just
your thoughts in general about it. Whether you're barely aware of it, are
preparing for it, or have just taken it, I'd like to hear your thoughts.

8 responses total.

#1 of 8 by fungster on Sun Jun 6 08:07:20 1999:

You *can* link this to the web via backtalk directly, right?

#2 of 8 by ryan on Sun Jun 6 17:32:46 1999:

Personally, I took the ACT test, and I have not taken the SAT.  As I 
understand, most schools in the midwest accept only the ACT test scores on
entrance applications.

#3 of 8 by hhsrat on Wed Jun 23 01:41:32 1999:

I took both, and did much better on the ACT.  I think that part of it is 
that the ACT is real life skills, whereas the SAT is mostly not.

I'm not sure that both are necessary.

One Standardized test that I would really like to see eliminated is the 
Michigan High School Proficiency Test (now known as the H.S. MEAP)  No 
colleges outside of the state will look at the results, and most of the 
colleges in the state won't.  I personally had a very bad experience 
with the HSPT, and it made me never want to take any more standardized 
tests, but the SAT and ACT test administrations were much better.

#4 of 8 by ryan on Sun Jun 27 14:48:36 1999:

HSPT is a total waste of time.  Totally.

The test is not timed, and it's not all multiple choice.  There are 
sections that are graded by "trained professionals" who judge what you 
write.

Personally, I got every single question on the math section 
right--because it was ALL intermediate algebra and very basic geometry. 
I missed a couple points where I had to construct a written response to 
a reading selection.

The test serves no real purpose except sending data to lansing about how 
smart the test-graders think the students are from a particular school.

#5 of 8 by hhsrat on Mon Jun 28 02:05:25 1999:

I agree with you 100%

#6 of 8 by dea on Wed Jul 14 21:48:38 1999:

hey im a teen how can i not say a test is a wate of time?
at least the sat will allow you into college i guess.

#7 of 8 by devnull on Sun Sep 12 02:43:35 1999:

But if you say the SAT will get you into college at least, I think you
still are giving testing more credit than it deserves.

And there is such a thing as life without college.  I find it utterly
disgusting how many people feel that college is essential.

#8 of 8 by dea on Tue Oct 5 19:36:51 1999:

heehee:) you dont know me very well. i think college is the greatest waste of
money you could spend but still for many its the ticket

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