Monday, January 13, 2014

Truth: The SAT & ACT Will Soon Become Obsolete

The SAT exam and the ACT exam are the primary tests that universities look to in order to determine which students are "college ready" and therefore are qualified for admittance. I understand, as a business owner, institutions need ways to swiftly sift through hundreds of applications to narrow the choices to the select few, or the "qualified" ones. The proprietors of the SAT and ACT claim that they have an exam that provides a direct correlation: The higher the score, the higher probability for success at the college level.

However, many researchers have contested that very assertion. One researcher, Joyce Walsh-Portillo from FIU in Miami, conducted a study in 2011 titled, "The Role of Emotional Intelligence in College Student's Success" found that overall higher Emotional Intelligence play a more significant role in College Success than Logical Intelligence.



SAT and ACT exams test mostly reading, writing, and math, topics that most students "learn" in high-school. What these test-makers and universities fail to realize, is more is learned in high school than what is ever "taught" by teachers in the classroom. What about social skills, problem-solving, initiative, and self-management? These are all skills which are components of Emotional Intelligence, and these skills have a significant impact on the success of a college student.



When someone finally creates an assessment that tests student's Emotional Intelligence along with their Logical (academic) Intelligence, and markets it correctly to the universities, the SAT and ACT will become obsolete. Also, the creator the new exam will become a millionaire one-hundred times over. I can't say it is something I haven't thought about. However, I am not an expert test-writer...yet.

For now, we have the SAT and ACT, so this is what we have to prepare for. Tried & True Tutoring has become well-known for having the best SAT prep program, and best ACT prep program available. Individualized, customized, and free assessments available through our website. In order to access our free resources, e-mail or call us.

If you are preparing for the SAT or ACT (in March, April, May, or June), make sure to have the proper guidance. At least take advantage of our free diagnostic exams - you will thank me later!