I have always been told that numbers do not define my worth. From a young age I was taught that things like my height, weight and GPA do not determine the type of person I am now, or will be in the future. As I get closer and closer to the college application process, this becomes less and less true.

Large scale standardized tests such as the SAT and ACT were created to even the playing field of the admissions process, however they have done the opposite. These tests are supposed to reflect each individual student’s intelligence with one number. One number to show the million ways each students mind works, with a slight possibility that it will be portrayed by that students’ score. These tests benefit specific problem solving skills and thought processes that are not necessary in everyday life. The techniques and skills needed to be successful on the SAT and ACT can be taught only by expensive tutors and time consuming courses that are not available to many students. The average class costs $90 per hour, and requires at least 45 hours to complete the course. Even if spending the necessary time and money to be successful is an option, months of preparation are shown by the results of one three-hour test, followed by few chances to retake it and improve.

I agree with the overall point of these tests, and a test to even the playing field is necessary when applying to college. Grades at different schools — even grades from different teachers within a school, are very objective. It is not fair to compare GPA’s because so many factors go into each grade, which is why there are wide-scale tests (SAT and ACT) to see how students around the country compare with each other. But this system cannot be successful as long as students’ scores depend on their time availability and financial situation.

Originally, students did not study for the SAT or learn tricks to manipulate the outcome of their tests, and it was simply another way for colleges to assess students. A test should be created that involves no preparation and includes problem solving skills that are commonly used in the real world, similar to how the SAT was initially treated. So much of each student’s GPA is determined by their time spent studying, and the SAT/ACT should be different. This would enable students from all different socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds to evenly compete for the same goals.