As NPHS juniors start to take their standardized tests, including the PSATs, and SATS, some are wondering why they are even taking these assessments. 

Over the years, standardized testing has created much controversy, some of which relates to how these tests favor those who can get special ACT/SAT Prep and are good test takers. 

Recently, some school have gone test optional due to the impact of COVID-19.  The entire University of California system is test blind, and many other schools are opting to stay test optional.  In addition, the SATs are going digital.  We asked two NPHS juniors with opposing views what they thought of all this uncertainty.  

What are your opinions on the SAT starting to go fully online for the upcoming years?

Sophia Salazar (11th grade): 

“I actually didn’t know that the SAT was starting to go fully online, but I feel like it won’t make that much of a difference because there’s no essay portion anyway.”

June Blougouras (11th grade):

“I honestly think that’s great and I didn’t even know they were going fully online.”

Do you think standardized testing matters now due to the fact that many schools are going test optional? 

Salazar: 

“No.  I don’t really think it matters and I don’t think a school should accept you or not accept you based on what you get on one test.” 

Blougouras: 

“I’ve always thought standardized testing matters.  It’s a good way to prove your academic values.”

What do you think the value of the SAT is for colleges? Do you think an SAT score predicts how a student will do in college? 

Salazar: 

“No.  I don’t think so.  I think there’s very little value in the SAT, ACT, and other standardized tests because that doesn’t show who the person is as a student and you could just be a very poor test taker.” 

Blougouras: 

“I think the value of SATs is to see where you are and how smart you are, but that doesn’t fully determine if you will get into a college or not.”