Why the SAT and ACT Should Stay: Life Is a Test, So Why Not Practice?

In a world that values performance and accountability, the SAT and ACT are a gentle nudge toward reality.

Critics love to bash the SAT and ACT as too rigid, too flawed, or too stressful. But let’s get one thing straight: no test is perfect, and no test will ever be. It’s easy to tear something down, but wouldn’t it be better to build it up and refine it? The SAT and ACT aren’t just admissions tools; they’re life lessons in disguise. Here’s why these tests are worth keeping around (with a little polishing, of course).

1. Standardized Tests: The Universal Decoder Ring for Admissions

Imagine trying to compare apples and oranges, but instead of fruit, it’s GPAs from wildly different high schools. One school hands out A’s like Halloween candy; another makes you wrestle a bear for a B. How can colleges possibly make sense of this chaos?

Enter the SAT and ACT. These tests provide a common metric, a decoder ring of sorts, that helps admissions officers evaluate students fairly. They don’t tell the whole story, but they give everyone a seat at the same table.

Without them, things could get a lot messier. Admissions decisions might lean harder on extracurriculars and essays, which often favor wealthier students who can afford to pad their resumes and hire professional editors. Ironically, scrapping these tests could make the system even more unfair.

2. The SAT and ACT: Sidekicks in the Holistic Admissions Process

Nobody likes being reduced to a number, and thankfully, colleges don’t do that. Test scores are just one ingredient in the admissions casserole. Essays, recommendations, and extracurriculars are all part of the recipe, but standardized tests add some much-needed spice.

Picture this: A student with a so-so GPA but a stellar test score might thrive in a more challenging academic environment. Or a student with great extracurriculars but a weak essay can still shine with a solid SAT score. The tests provide balance—kind of like a safety net for students whose strengths might otherwise go unnoticed.

And let’s be honest: essays can be ghostwritten, and extracurriculars often scream privilege. Standardized tests, while imperfect, are refreshingly objective by comparison.

3. Scholarship Gold Mines

Standardized tests are not just about getting into college; they’re also about paying for it. Many merit-based scholarships use SAT and ACT scores to identify high-achieving students, making these tests a ticket to life-changing financial aid.

For students from lower-income families, this can mean the difference between attending their dream school or settling for a cheaper alternative. Critics who want to eliminate these tests often forget that they’re a ladder for students looking to climb out of financial barriers.

4. No, the SAT and ACT Aren’t Perfect (And That’s Okay)

Let’s not pretend these tests are flawless. They can’t fully measure creativity, resilience, or your uncanny ability to juggle flaming torches (metaphorically or otherwise). But guess what? No test can.

The SAT and ACT were designed to test specific skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and working under pressure. You know, the kind of stuff that comes in handy during college midterms and, oh yeah, life.

Instead of throwing these tests out because they’re imperfect, let’s tweak them. Make them more reflective of real-world skills. Expand free prep resources. Improve access. There’s plenty of room for improvement, but the core idea is sound.

5. Other Countries’ Tests Are Way More Intense

Think the SAT is rough? Try graduating in Germany, where students face the Abitur, a rigorous series of oral and written exams that basically decide their academic fate. Or Finland’s Matriculation Exam, which tests multiple subjects and requires a deep mastery of high school material. Japan’s university entrance exams? Let’s just say students spend years preparing for those pressure cookers.

Compared to these global alternatives, the SAT and ACT are like warm-up laps. They’re challenging, sure, but they’re flexible. You can retake them, super-score them, and try again if needed. That’s a luxury students in many other countries don’t have.

6. The SAT and ACT Are the Basics (and That’s the Point)

Let’s be clear: the SAT and ACT aren’t asking for rocket science. They test high school-level algebra, geometry, grammar, and reading comprehension—things you really should have down by the time you graduate.

Compared to the in-depth exams in other countries, these tests are entry-level. If you’re struggling with them, it’s probably because of foundational gaps in your education, not because the tests are unfair. With proper preparation, these tests become manageable (maybe even easy).

7. Real-World Lessons in Disguise

High school is full of do-overs, extensions, and extra credit. But guess what? The real world doesn’t work that way, and neither do the SAT and ACT.

These tests are often a student’s first brush with national-level accountability. They teach time management, preparation, and resilience.

In a world that values performance and accountability, the SAT and ACT are a gentle nudge toward reality. They’re not just tests; they’re training wheels for life.

8. Accountability for Schools

Standardized tests don’t just measure students, but they also shine a spotlight on schools. When scores reveal gaps in performance, it sparks conversations about improving curriculum, teacher quality, and resource allocation.

Without these tests, how do we hold schools accountable for preparing students for college and beyond? The SAT and ACT might not solve all the problems, but they help identify where the cracks are.

Build It, Don’t Break It

The SAT and ACT aren’t perfect, but perfection isn’t the goal. They’re practical tools for admissions, scholarships, and teaching life lessons.

It’s easy to knock something down, but progress comes from improving what’s already working. With a little refinement, the SAT and ACT can continue to help students navigate the often-unfair maze of college admissions and prepare them for the challenges of life beyond the classroom.

So sharpen those pencils and take the test. It’s not just a score; it’s a stepping stone.

Recommended Further Reading:

International General Upper Secondary Education in Finland – Finnish National Agency for Education

German Abitur: Structure, Scores & International Equivalents – Studying in Germany