NYT article on SAT/ACT

<p>I think one of the reasons that the SAT is popular and there are a number of students who take the test multiple times is because colleges will take the best sub-scores and add them together. This is not done with the ACT sub-scores.</p>

<p>Bluebayou is making the point well. There is something not right about the conversions scales, and in fact you are likely to score higher on the ACT, I believe. The fact that more than a few people feel that Easterners taking the ACT is somehow out-of-line speaks volumes (I have read this in several places outside this board). </p>

<p>The SAT is popular for historical reasons, and since you have an unlimited number of ACT tries and can report the best one, I seems not to matter a lot that you can't pick your best subscores, although I agree that that would be even better.</p>

<p>My daughters friend had a high 1400's on SAT, took the ACT and got a 29. He used his SAT scores. I find it highly unlikely that most students would take either test more then 2 or 3 times. I think you get a few that are obsessed but I can't imagine anyone wanting to sit for these things more than that. A student isn't really prepared for these tests until the mid/end of Junior year.. they are only given a few times a year. Although some colleges are big into these numbers (Colgate was one), I think most look to see what our kids are about. Classes and grades speak louder then any SAT/ACT. The reason that I mentioned Colgate was when I was there I had a discussion with the Adcom who insisted that students have a minimum SAT score. I had a field day speaking to him. Even though my child had a score that was more than fine for Colgate I questioned him on the validity of those scores. I asked him about the kids that take prep classes and hire tutors vs those families who couldn't afford to do so, why were SAT's soooooo important. I never got a straight answer.</p>

<p>There are all kinds of scenarios in regards to these tests, they shouldn't be the end all of an application. Last year my friend whose daughter was at the top of the class couldn't get passed the 1200's on the SAT's took the ACT's and got a 34. This year some of my daughter's friends took the SAT once and got 1500 - 1600, no prep. </p>

<p>I don't really understand why this topic is such a hot one. We all know that we have great kids, and that SAT/ACT scores don't mean much. I guess if one gets a 1600/2400 on SAT's it becomes bragging rights for life. Our kids will end up where they're supposed to be and will hopefully have a great experience and a successful and happy life. </p>

<p>I also think that school districts have much to do with these tests. While our district encourages to take both, I imagine not every district is doing so. I've read on these boards about high schools that insist on putting both SAT's and ACT's on transcripts. I'm glad our district gives us a choice. I've read in horror that some guidance depts refused to send a recommendation to a particular school because they didn't feel the student was capable of getting in. I cannot fathom this!</p>

<p>The schools use the standardized tests simply because they ARE standardized. There is undoubtedly much wrong with them and they may not measure what they purport to measure but there is no way to compare grades across schools and school districts especially not when half the kids are graduating with unweighted 3.8 and 3.9s. And class rank can be equally unfair. If you don't believe me just ask folks in Texas who can't get into good state schools unless they are in the top 10% of their class.</p>

<p>" If you don't believe me just ask folks in Texas who can't get into good state schools unless they are in the top 10% of their class."</p>

<p>That statement is not quite correct. While it is true that the 10% rule might force the schools to admit a small number of poorly prepared students, the number of NON top 10% students admitted at UT-Austin and TAMU is considerable. The top 10% is not the sole route to gain automatic admission. For instance, TAMU provides direct admission to anyone who scores above 1300 on the SAT. </p>

<p>The situation could be critical if all the top 10% in Texas decided to attend the flagship schools, but this is not happening. There are a great number of students from Texas who decide to "migrate" to attend collegee outside Texas, and this by choice. The yield of UT at leading high schools in Texas is abysmal. It is not unheard to see fewer than 4 students attending UT out of high school admitted pool of 20-25 admits. </p>

<p>Competitive students in Texas do not have great problems to secure acceptances at the Texas' flagship schools. The situation takes a different twist at the alarmingly numerous "Bubba" schools in Texas. Denying admission to UT or Texas A&M to the non-top 10% students of mediocre schools is one of the benefits of the plan. There are plenty of schools in Texas that match the profile of the rejected group a LOT better.</p>