Wead 1

Savannah Wead

Prof. Stalbird

English 1201-507

23 March 2020

Literature Review

The SAT and ACT are tests that have been around since the 1930’s. They are still being

used to test students’ ability to succeed in college. However, some think they are not doing a

very good job of it. Standardized tests may not be the best way to judge children. Studies have

proven that there are aspects of the tests that make it unfair to minorities. Are these tests good

ways to evaluate our students, or is it a waste of time?

Children of color, low income families, children with disabilities, and women have been

proven to score lower on these tests. Essler says, these children tend to miss out on things like

test prep. Test preparation can become very expensive but is also very beneficial. High income

students also just have a better overall education, which allows them to score better on the SAT

and ACT (1). Income is not the only reason for failure. People who do poorly on tests have been

found to be minorities (Sheffer 1). Stereotypes have also caused issues. Stereotypes allow people

to go into these tests already believing they are going to fail (Essler 1). Essler mentions how

gender has been said to effect test scores. In the classroom females have better overall grades. On

the SAT and ACT males perform better. Passages in the tests have been proven to remind

women of the negative stereotype (1). “Others have suggested that positive attitude regarding

competition favors male students taking the test” (Essler 1). Tests that predict if and where you

go to college should be fair for everyone taking them

 Wead 2

SAT and ACT scores play a big role on your college applications at most schools.

However, some think that should not be the case. ABC states that extracurricular activities,

leadership roles, and overcoming obstacles show how you will perform in a college setting.

Some colleges have made it optional to have to include your test score on your application and

this has led to an increase in applications submitted. When students perform poorly on the SAT

and ACT it makes them think they are not college material, so they do not apply at all (1). One

test score should not keep bright young students from applying to the college of their dreams.

Despite the many accusations against these ancient tests some still believe it is the most

effective way to judge the knowledge of students. Board says that this is the best way to predict

success later in life. They believe that test scores go had in hand with college achievement.

Because curriculum at schools are so different, the SAT and ACT are the only tests that are the

same for everyone (1). Instead of getting rid of the tests completely we should just help students

with financial aid to make sure they are getting the same amount of test prep as everybody else.

There are things that could be done to make the tests fairer. We could change it so that

putting your score on your college application is optional. This will make it so the students who

feel their test score will help their college application can still use the score to their advantage.

Test makers could also change the content and pricing on the tests so that everyone has the same

chance. In conclusion, there are many different opinions on what should be done about the SAT

and ACT. For now, though, these tests will remain.

 Wead 3

Works Cited

ABC News, ABC News Network, abcnews.go.com/GMA/News/sat-act-scores-thing-past/story?

id=56046920.

Board, Editorial. “Getting Rid of SAT and ACT Testing Is a Mistake.” The Washington Post,

WP Company, 31 July 2015, www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/the-importance-of-

standardized-tests/2015/07/31/5eba856e-36e9-11e5-9d0f-7865a67390ee_story.html.

Elsesser, Kim. “Lawsuit Claims SAT And ACT Are Biased-Here's What Research

Says.” Forbes, Forbes Magazine, 11 Dec. 2019,

www.forbes.com/sites/kimelsesser/2019/12/11/lawsuit-claims-sat-and-act-are-biased-

heres-what-research-says/#52c5d7b43c42.

Keels, Crystal L. “So, Your Children Are College Bound ... But Are TheySAT Ready?” Black

Issues in Higher Education, vol. 21, no. 1, Feb. 2004, p. 33. EBSCOhost,

search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=12484573&site=ehost-live

Ponessa, Jeanne. “SAT, ACT Scores up, but Racial Gaps Remain.” Education Week, vol. 16, no.

1, Sept. 1996, p. 8. EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?

direct=true&db=a9h&AN=9609305002&site=ehost-live.

Sheffer, Sarah. “Do ACT and SAT Scores Really Matter? New Study Says They

Shouldn't.” PBS, Public Broadcasting Service, 18 Feb. 2014,

www.pbs.org/newshour/education/nail-biting-standardized-testing-may-miss-mark-

college-students.
Wead 4