The worst thing about standardized tests is that they make kids who don’t score well feel badly about themselves. Standardized tests measure how well you take standardized tests. That’s about it. There are good test takers and bad test takers, and they sometimes have wildly overlapping levels of academic achievement.
But bad test-takers can still prove that they’re great learners.
There’s nothing stopping a bad test-taker from loving your favorite subject, whether that’s calculus, art, or French. Genuine interest and curiosity are just as important, if not more so, than good test scores.
Bad test-takers can still ask questions and contribute to class discussions.
A bad test-taker can view a class project as an opportunity to shine, test-free.
There are no tests to worry about when you read your favorite authors, teach yourself to design websites, or take guitar lessons.
Bad test-takers can be excited about the academic supermarket of college. And best of all, you can find schools that fit you and don’t care whether or not you have high test scores. If you need school suggestions, start here.
Yes, standardized tests are one part of the admissions process at many colleges. But colleges want great learners even more than they want great test-takers. If you’re not a good test-taker, show colleges what you can offer as a student beyond the ability to take multiple choice tests. Plenty of schools will appreciate you for being a great learner.