New Research on the Importance of the SAT (and ACT)

By SAT ACT Test Prep

Research on the importance of the SAT 

Here is the headline:

Myths abound about standardized tests, but the research is clear: They provide an invaluable measure of how students are likely to perform in college and beyond

The article then debunks the myths regarding the SAT that have been perpetrated by what can only be called highly biased opinions from those who wish that the tests are not that important for college admission (and other areas)

The research is actually stunning in demonstrating the correlation between those who do well on the SAT and those who do well in the real world.  That will not be my focus.  Instead, I feel the need to tell every Connecticut parent that they have been misled by those who try to downplay the importance of the SAT (and ACT) for college admission and merit aid.

Occam’s Razor – the simplest explanation is often the best explanation – shows that the SAT is the single most objective – that’s right objective as in “fair”- measurement related to college applicants.  The howls regarding fairness have been based on absolutely faulty reasoning: can anyone with intellectual honesty claim that activities, college admissions essays, and letters of recommendation are more objective than the SATs? What about grades?  Yes, grades should be the single most important and objective factor.  In years past, when grade inflation was not so pervasive this was still an issue because of the disparity betwen grades from a top school in Connecticut (East Lyme, Old Lyme, Madison, Guilford, etc.) versus an average school, even nearby, a couple towns inland, let alone across the nation.  Now that 47% of students have A averages (read that again to let it sink in), then how are super busy college admissions officials going to choose applicants?  The SATs.

I used to be far more self-conscious about the obvious self-interest in my urging clients to take SAT prep more seriously.  But as I’ve always indicated, The Learning Consultants is designed to help students reach their goals.  If there was another area where we could help students as much as we do with the SATs, then that’s exactly what we do.

Take SAT prep very seriously.  It matters far more than you might believe.