The SAT is not an accurate way to measure student knowledge

 The SAT is now a fully digital standardized test created by College Board. The test measures 11th and 12th grade students’ knowledge and college readiness.  As high school students we are often stressed about trying to get the perfect score, but the SAT is not an accurate measure to test student knowledge. 

Some students may have a high GPA, but get anxiety with a test that holds importance, like the SAT. According to SAT Blog,  a small amount of anxiety is natural for even the most well prepared test takers. When taking the test, some may be more focused on how to calm down than answering the questions. In a 2023 report from the UCLA Center for Mental Health in Schools, it states that between 40% and 60% of students have test anxiety that interferes with their test scores. 

The effects 0f COVID-19 have not only impacted public health but also high school students’ SAT scores. In 2020 scores were as low as 996 points, and now in 2023 even lower with scores such as 958.4 points, according to the Detroit News. We feel that scores will continue to drop as students’ energy and care towards testing decline. Because of this, students’ effort is not what it used to be pre COVID-19.

More colleges are going test optional, and because of this more students will opt out of taking the SAT. According to Higher Ed Dive, over 1,900 U.S colleges and universities are not requiring SAT or ACT scores for fall 2024 admissions. Some test optional schools in Michigan include the University of Michigan, Michigan State University, Wayne State University and Northern Michigan University. If the school you want to attend is test optional, then taking the SAT would put additional stress on the college application process. 

Students’ are pressured to go to a good college and to get good grades and test scores; however, you can get a good job without it. According to College Raptor, most employers do not even think about checking out standardized test scores when hiring candidates. Students do not need a high score to succeed in this day and age. When applying for jobs after college, the interviewer is not likely to ask what you got on the SAT.  After college, the SAT will become a score with less importance. The SAT has little to no involvement in the job application process. When filling out a job application it is not common to see a spot to put your SAT score.  Therefore, the SAT is not an accurate way to measure students’ knowledge.