Will the SAT/ACT eventually become obsolete?

[carnation]

As a mom, it has been nervewracking to shepherd twelve of my own children so far through the tests. As a professor, though, I know that standardized tests are necessary because of the huge discrepancy in various schools in the state. Not only that, but some high schools hand out As like candy because of parent pressure/fear of lawsuits. I can not begin to describe what it's like having students from these schools in college classes, particularly if they still think that a call from Mom will scare the professor into giving them an A.

[maconmagnolia]

Originally Posted by carnation

As a mom, it has been nervewracking to shepherd twelve of my own children so far through the tests. As a professor, though, I know that standardized tests are necessary because of the huge discrepancy in various schools in the state. Not only that, but some high schools hand out As like candy because of parent pressure/fear of lawsuits. I can not begin to describe what it's like having students from these schools in college classes, particularly if they still think that a call from Mom will scare the professor into giving them an A.

Yep. My very small, rural high school where most of those who graduate do not even attend college was MUCH easier than a lot of the large public or private high schools many of my friends from big cities went to. I did very well in high school without ever doing much work outside of class, because the classes were so easy. When I came to college, I had to spend a lot of time developing study skills because I had none. My friends who went to more difficult high schools had an easier time adjusting to college level coursework.