<p>For those of you not familiar with the STAR testing, it is a standardized California state test that everyone takes. I had always taken it knowing it won't affect my grade/college admissions because it is supposedly just for statistical purposes. However, recently people have been saying that colleges look at you STAR test scores and use the for admission decisions?!</p>
<p>Can this really be true??</p>
<p>Are the score on your transcript? If not, then colleges will not see them.</p>
<p>I don't know about STAR testing, but my CAPT scores (my own mandatory state-specific test) does not appear on my transcript and had no bearing on college admissions. I can't imagine that colleges would use them, as they'd have to familiarize themselves with the scoring standards of 50 different state tests.</p>
<p>The MCAS is Massachusetts's standardized test. I think the only college that can see MCAS scores is UMass, and it's just for purposes of scholarship money. Maybe UC's are similar?</p>
<p>I'm a junior in California, so I can answer your question. </p>
<p>STAR testing measures the proficiency of your school in teaching you the basic standard curriculum at grade level. The school receives an API score based on your test results and this determines how well the school is doing. The state goal is 800 for all schools, but only the best schools get a score that high. </p>
<p>STAR testing makes no impact on your college applications nor is it reflected on your transcript. But you should still do well because it's embarrassing to get below basic. Try to get Advanced level for all subjects.</p>
<p>My school puts STAR test scores on your transcript, but I really doubt that the colleges look at them.</p>
<p>I echo Gryffon-STAR testing makes absolutely no impact on college admissions. Most colleges will never even see them, or if-as in noninspiration's case-your school puts them on your transcript, they don't give a rip about them.</p>
<p>Don't stress, they don't count. :)</p>