Standardized Test Scores
 

So I've been spending the better part of the new year studying for what had to be the last two standardized tests (of this nature) that I would take, due to the fact that I'm getting old and high school is rapidly coming to an end. I'm definitely not a natural test taker, as I scored a 22 the first time I took the ACT and a 25 the second time. My parents decided it would be worth it to get me some tutoring, and the tutors quickly decided that the SAT would be the better test to take. Long story short, I took the January SAT and ended up with a score just 10 points over what I needed for a certain scholarship (1950 total, 1330 CR+math - the part that actually counts).

I also registered for the February ACT, and knew I wouldn't get my SAT score until the ACT, so I spent two more weeks studying for that, just in case the SAT fell through. I won't know the score I got on it for another couple weeks, but I'm very relieved to know that my first try succeeded.

Anyways, the point of this thread isn't to gloat (I'd be foolish to think a 1950 was anything better than fair), the purpose of this thread is to post your own score, and to discuss what's good/bad about the two standardized tests that every other college relies so heavily on (at least here in America).

Re: Standardized Test Scores
 

I don't remember my scores to be quite honest. I think it's good that we have those tests (as it's an extra hurdle of determination) to separate those who want to give college a legitimate try (by taking it) versus academic space wasters.

Re: Standardized Test Scores
 

SAT/ACT = Pure Bullshit.

Re: Standardized Test Scores
 

I don't even understand them, they're fucked up. They're used to see if someone is ready for university/college, right?

In Canada, if you do well in grades 11 and 12 you're basically guaranteed a position in university/college if you can afford it. Grade school testing is a lot more accurate than a bunch of multiple choice questions.

Re: Standardized Test Scores
 

One the one hand, I think they are a good, objective way to sift through students, as you said, Moregun. On the other hand, they are huge money-making "organizations" whose tests do little to test actual academic potential. The tests themselves are quite easy, and only test basic academic skills. It's the timed situation that makes them difficult, and those who naturally think quickly on their feet will do better than those who don't nine times out of ten, regardless of academic knowledge/ability.

Edit:

Those who advocate standardized tests argue that due to grade inflation variations between schools, high school grades make it very difficult to distinguish which students are good, and which are bad. I have to agree for the most part. A lot of American schools suck, and getting straight As in a school that doesn't care could say nothing about how much a particular student knows/understands. The SAT or ACT would seem like a good, objective option at first, but there are a lot of holes that make it not so objective.

Re: Standardized Test Scores
 

Well unfortunately, my condition makes standardized tests rather difficult :p

Re: Standardized Test Scores
 

Whats that, being a dumbass? :p

Re: Standardized Test Scores
 

No no, that's your condition ;)

How many times do I have to keep reminding you? Then again, you're not exactly someone who would be in any position to pull rank or talk down to anyone, least of all me, so I guess it doesn't really matter :)

Re: Standardized Test Scores
 

40 practice tests and we'll have you fixed up real good. :naughty:

Re: Standardized Test Scores
 

I like the sound of that :naughty:

Re: Standardized Test Scores
 

The College Board is a racket. The SAT does not judge how well a person will do in college. I knew people with SAT scores in the 1300-1500 range who dropped out of college. I know people who barely broke 1000 make it through an engineering program with a good GPA. I got a 1240 reading/math which was good enough to get me into the school I wanted to go to.

Now I am looking at taking the fundamentals of engineering(FE) exam to start my self on the way to becoming a professional engineer(P.E) The FE makes the SAT look cheap at $175. I also need to get a 70 on the exam to become an engineer in training.

Re: Standardized Test Scores
 

@Pethegreat: What engineering field are you in? I'm going into mechanical engineering. Also, I would be interested to know how the notorious FE exam goes. When you do take it, good luck.

Re: Standardized Test Scores
 

I would be taking it for chemical engineering. Depending on where I am in 5 years I would take the P.E exam for either chemical engineering or petroleum engineering.

I should be fine for the chemistry, math, mass/energy balances, physics, chemical kinetics/catalysis, and heat/mass transport. The bad areas for me are thermodynamics and dynamics/controllers. I should have taken it when I was still in college.

Re: Standardized Test Scores
 

They're pretty much all bullshit, but like Moregun said, they're somewhat useful for weeding out those who would end up dropping anyway. I only remember by 9th grade SAT, 1350, and my 12th grade ACT in...I think science, was a 32. Might have been math. :clueless:

I took it in 9th grade 'cause of some dern smart maked person thing. I dunno, good practice I suppose.