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If students can still submit AP test scores as part of their application, then I don't have a problem with them eliminating the SAT. AP tests are much harder th
by MyHypatia 5y ago
If students can still submit AP test scores as part of their application, then I don't have a problem with them eliminating the SAT. AP tests are much harder than the SAT, and more representative of college material anyway. Studying for the SATs was a giant waste of time, while I actually learned a lot studying for AP tests.
Not all highschools have AP classes, so AP tests should not be required to apply, obviously. AP tests provide an objective metric to compare students who go to high schools with AP courses. For students who don't have AP courses, I think using grades is reasonable. All students can still submit additional non-required test scores and other supporting material for their application. At least now we are not wasting students time with this SAT bullshit.
I think the SATs are like Leetcode but even less useful. Obviously Leetcode is some indication that someone can program, but we're all aware that Leetcode is nothing like actual programming in a job. Similarly, the SAT is some indication that someone can do college, but nothing like actual college. I just think the cost of wasting millions of kids' hours studying for the SAT is a tragic waste of time, when they can be studying for their classes or more rigorous tests that test actual subject material like AP tests.
- Wowfunhappy 5y ago> while I actually learned a lot studying for AP tests. Well, I guess that's where we'll agree to disagree, because I didn't. As I see it, AP courses are test prep taking over the entirety of the curriculum. That's way worse.
- MyHypatia 5y agoI do see your point about test prep taking over the entire curriculum. And I can agree that's an issue as well. I guess I just find a test in an actual subject to be less BS than a general "aptitude" test, whatever that means. With AP tests, I can say "I tried learning chemistry, so I studied chemistry, and took this standardized test, and here is my chemistry score." With SATs I'm studying random "aptitude" stuff and I'm not even sure what I'm really demonstrating or what is really being measured.
- bsmith0 5y agoSenior year AP scores aren't available for seniors until way after the application process. I think I ended up having 7/11 of my tests during senior year. Imo the main advantage APs brings is GPA weighting/more impressive looking transcripts. I think scores often aren't even considered by admissions -- purely used for college credit.
- MyHypatia 5y ago4 standardized test scores before your senior year seems like plenty of information for a college to evaluate a student on. I don't think a college should need 11 standardized scores to conclude that you can probably do college level work.