i'm taking THE scholastic aptitude test.
So... the thing I've been dreading for months is finally just around the corner. Marked beautifully on my Google Calendar with a bright red: October 5th. The SAT. As a result, I will take this opportunity to vent about the one and only thing which runs America: capitalism. Now, you might be wondering how these two or related. I sure hope you're not wondering because ignorance can sometimes take all your money, whether it be from hundred-dollar AP tests or thousand dollars SAT prep courses.
Let's start from the beginning. Here's the number one reason the SAT is a joke. In summary, the way the SAT works is that it's a three-part test: reading, writing, and math. Each section has a point number attached to it, reading with 400 points, writing with another 400, and math comprising half the test with 800 points. After taking an intensive, named "best SAT course around" prep course over this summer, I can surely tell you that NONE of the reading and writing is taught at school. The math is recollecting information we learned in middle school, while the two other sections must be learned through SAT books and courses- the ultimate way to make money. This may be a cynical viewpoint to some, but when you really think about it, this is one of the many ways in which the endless cycle of poverty continues to perpetuate through our society. A extreme statement, I know, but I have a rationale behind it. SAT is the second biggest factor in college admissions behind GPA, and at select schools, it reigns as number one. Therefore, in order to be accepted into a good college, which is important because attending a more "well-known" college improves your chance at a prosperous future, you MUST get a good score on the SAT. In order to get a good score on the SAT, you must learn over a hundred new concepts of writing which are not taught in school, and you must learn ways to interpret a single meaning of reading, whereas in school we are taught to think freely. In essence, it's an utter contradiction of the "free-thinking" ideals of many liberal arts colleges. These concepts are solely taught through thousands of SAT books available and through thousand dollar prep courses, obviously targetted towards the rich. Those who do not hold the privilege and money to attain these things, do not achieve the amazing SAT score which we all yearn for. In summary, not being able to pay for these extravagant items correlates to an inferior score, which correlates to an inferior college. So, as the underlying message in Scott McCloud's essay, education is told to be for our happiness, for our future, and always good for us. But oftentimes, as comics are too "easy" for us to read, a simple test to get into college has many underlying layers, which are not always looking for a prosperous future for EVERYONE.I guess I should be scared of the college board finding this long essay bashing them sometime in the next year when I apply for college apps... as I have already submitted to the societal pressures around me. There's no uplifting message to this blog, but it's pure purpose to educate you. Next time you take an SAT diagnostic, think a little bit about the knowledge you need during it. Or the next time you see the words "non-profit" next to the College Board Instagram page, think about the millions of dollars they make every year. And please wish me luck next Saturday, as I continue to submit to society around me :)
Let's start from the beginning. Here's the number one reason the SAT is a joke. In summary, the way the SAT works is that it's a three-part test: reading, writing, and math. Each section has a point number attached to it, reading with 400 points, writing with another 400, and math comprising half the test with 800 points. After taking an intensive, named "best SAT course around" prep course over this summer, I can surely tell you that NONE of the reading and writing is taught at school. The math is recollecting information we learned in middle school, while the two other sections must be learned through SAT books and courses- the ultimate way to make money. This may be a cynical viewpoint to some, but when you really think about it, this is one of the many ways in which the endless cycle of poverty continues to perpetuate through our society. A extreme statement, I know, but I have a rationale behind it. SAT is the second biggest factor in college admissions behind GPA, and at select schools, it reigns as number one. Therefore, in order to be accepted into a good college, which is important because attending a more "well-known" college improves your chance at a prosperous future, you MUST get a good score on the SAT. In order to get a good score on the SAT, you must learn over a hundred new concepts of writing which are not taught in school, and you must learn ways to interpret a single meaning of reading, whereas in school we are taught to think freely. In essence, it's an utter contradiction of the "free-thinking" ideals of many liberal arts colleges. These concepts are solely taught through thousands of SAT books available and through thousand dollar prep courses, obviously targetted towards the rich. Those who do not hold the privilege and money to attain these things, do not achieve the amazing SAT score which we all yearn for. In summary, not being able to pay for these extravagant items correlates to an inferior score, which correlates to an inferior college. So, as the underlying message in Scott McCloud's essay, education is told to be for our happiness, for our future, and always good for us. But oftentimes, as comics are too "easy" for us to read, a simple test to get into college has many underlying layers, which are not always looking for a prosperous future for EVERYONE.I guess I should be scared of the college board finding this long essay bashing them sometime in the next year when I apply for college apps... as I have already submitted to the societal pressures around me. There's no uplifting message to this blog, but it's pure purpose to educate you. Next time you take an SAT diagnostic, think a little bit about the knowledge you need during it. Or the next time you see the words "non-profit" next to the College Board Instagram page, think about the millions of dollars they make every year. And please wish me luck next Saturday, as I continue to submit to society around me :)
I liked how your essay has a good flow and how you got your point across well, however I disagree with your view on the SAT. The first thing I disagree with is that if you do not get a good SAT score you will because I do not believe that not getting a "good" score on the SAT with cause, " endless cycle of poverty." There are many factors that can influence poverty but if you are a good honors student that scores low on the SAT, they will not automatically be fighting poverty however they can go to a less prestigious college, and get a degree that they are passionate in and do well in life. That being aside, I also liked how you acknowledged this flawed Troy High view point by stating, "as I continue to submit to society around me." Like many of us this is how we think at Troy High and I think it is time we should try to stop thinking so objectively on higher education.
ReplyDeleteYou're definitely right, there are a lot of factors that go into everything :) Hard work can triumph but it's oftentimes quite difficult for those who lack the resources. Thank you!
DeleteWOW! This blog post hits right at home to so many students. I really want to focus on the aspect of the SAT prep courses and books. These things cost SO much money and while I complain and grumble, I can only think of all the people who aren't able to afford them. Is it expected that students who don't have access to these resources should still get a score that is accepted by top tier colleges? This is something that can seriously affect their future and as much as people don't like to accept it: they are at a disadvantage. The tone of this piece is very pessimistic and negative, but this is exactly how I feel right now. I can relate to your feelings of having to succumb to societal pressures of getting a good SAT score and GPA, even thought is not a measure of your aptitude. I think something interesting to point out here, mentioned by our "best SAT prep teacher", is that although having to worry about this seems nominal and pointless, there are still thousands of students who competing with you, and having a more negative outlook won't help you in long run, especially if this system is here to stay. But, this piece had such a personal style to it, and I felt like I was talking to you. Great job! ( Also hi parvathi's college admissions counselor :) )
ReplyDeletehi im finally reading ur blog (ironically after I took sat hehe), but THIS IS SO GOOD. Literally after I was done with the test I ranted to my dad about the whole money and privilege aspect of the SAT (cough cough they are scammers). Also tiny correction, the College BOard is actually a not FOR profit (they just pay their execs a lot I guess). The SAT really is a joke considering the fact that I could not drink water during the test or eat my snacks - why is starvation and dehydration necessary for my brain cells? Another thing that boggles my mind is the fact that College Board has a monopoly on education and no one does anything about it...
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