Chase Oliphant Brenda McKenna Writing 1010 11/11/2013

The ACT Isnt as Unfair as Some Might Think

Throughout my entire life there has always been a strong emphasis on my education. This has come from the encouragement I have received from my teachers, my peers, and my family. I didnt know anything about the ACT, or what a GPA is, but I still always tried to be the smartest kid in class. I knew that if my mom said that learning in class was important, it was. On top of that, in elementary school, I thought it was cool to be the one person who answered all of the teachers questions. It gave me a great sense of accomplishment. As I finished my years in elementary school and moved on to middle school I noticed something that completely shocked me: people at school didnt always want to learn! I didnt understand; there was no reason I could think of for not wanting to do well in class. However, I

soon learned the reason why. It happened after a math test that I had received a perfect score on. I was so excited I decided to go and tell my friends about it. Unfortunately, when I went to a good friend to share the news, he gave me a strange look and simply said Wow, youre such a nerd. These five words uttered by a 12 year old boy absolutely destroyed me. I realized I was a social outcast. No one wanted to be the smart kid anymore, that wasnt cool enough. Ive been taught my whole life that in order to fit in I had to try my hardest in everything that I do, but this isnt true. In fact, it is quite the opposite. In order to fit in one must not try as hard as they are capable of, and must ridicule those who do. In high school, it becomes more evident why caring about school work was important: its all about getting into college. Im glad I have created good study habits that help set me apart from my peers. This has helped me to maintain a solid GPA. While this is one reward for all of the ridicule I went through growing up, it is basically meaningless. Maintaining what is considered a good GPA is becoming increasingly easier. Students are taking easier classes, and the grading system is very inflated. With GPA not being a good indicator of personal commitment, learning ability, and college readiness, there is only one other item that can be truly considered. This is the ACT/SAT.

When I realized this everything began to make sense. I had been taught to do well, to be a nerd, so I could pass the ACT. Recently I came across an article titled The Test Passes, College Fails by Peter D. Salins. In this article, Salins discusses how several colleges are now neglecting standardized testing scores, and focusing on other aspects to decide who is accepted into schools. He states that many elite American colleges have been downgrading the role of standardized tests in deciding which applicants are admitted. While other aspects of an applicants life should be considered in the application process, none are more important than educational success. Colleges and universities are claiming the tests remain biased, coachable, educationally damaging and irrelevant to sound admissions practices. These accusations are made without any evidence. Standardized test are meant to show a students knowledge, work ethic, and ability to perform under pressure. These are all aspects that are necessary to survive in society today. If the tests are molded to fit an individuals needs, they lose all value. I have been ridiculed my whole life because I value my educational. Doing well on these tests, and being accepted into the university of my choice should be my reward. While claims are made which say standardized tests create anxiety and biased towards minorities, removing these tests will be unfair to a different minority: the nerds.

Sources Emmeline Zhao , . N.p.. Web. 9 Nov 2013. <http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/28/satact-not-required-colleges_n_2206391.html>.

Jed Applerouth, . N.p.. Web. 13 Nov 2013. <http://www.applerouth.com/blog/2013/10/23/when-a-is-for-average-the-high-cost-of-gradeinflation/>.