More than a Test Score by Larissa

More than a Test Score by Larissa - June 2015 Scholarship Essay

Schools all over the country determine forms of assessment to determine if a student should be allowed admission into their university or their eligibly for scholarships. There has to be a way for these schools to quickly review information and this is usually done by reviewing standardized test results. Although this is a great way to quickly sort through submissions, one test is not the best measurement of a student’s current intelligence or their potential; a student is more than a score on a test. I think that to be properly assessed a standardized test, a portfolio, and recommendation letters should be required.

A standardized test gives a view into how well a student would do on finals. Unfortunately, the truth is that big tests will have to be taken in college, namely finals and students will be expected to take and pass these tests. Standardized tests are long (the ACT takes approximately 4 hours to complete) and so are some college finals. Most information on standardized tests are taught in class with the only roadblocks being remembering the information and enduring long tests, much like all college finals. But standardized test should not by far be the only measurement of college readiness.

Keeping up with and putting together a portfolio shows hard work and perseverance. It takes perseverance to add elements to a portfolio all four years of high school, this shows determination and drive. A determined, hardworking student will put their heart into ensuring their portfolio is perfect. Adversely, a lazy student will not take the time and effort required to complete an excellent portfolio. A student willing to put in the time into making a portfolio is driven, hard-working, and has aspirations to make it to the next level.

Recommendation letters are from actual teachers that taught these students that have inside information on the attitude of a student and their participation in class. Colleges have no way to know how a student performs in a classroom setting without recommendation letters. Grades give some insight on a student’s ability to learn and retain information but grades do not include how hard a student is willing to work or their behavior in class. Hard-working students will undoubtedly go farther than bright, lazy students. Hard-working individuals do not give up when faced with a problem but instead work to fix the problem. Problems appear in the work-place only hard-working people will work towards a solution.

I think the most important reason that multiple parts should be used for assessment is that it not only measures the student’s intelligence level but also their work-ethic. Any of these elements alone cannot truly give an accurate picture of a student’s college readiness. Graduating college takes more than a high score on a standardized test or creatively putting together a portfolio or even having good behavior in class. Colleges should change their methods in choosing candidates for their school and their scholarships. A successful employed individual was more than their test score; they work hard every day, they persevere through rough spots in their career, and they have goals and aspirations. If a job is given out using a variety of methods why isn’t college acceptance?