Sad, Awful Test Produces Low Scores

JOYCE LAM
Editor in Chief

At some point, the typical high school student meets face-to-face with the horrors of the SAT. For many, the SAT is nothing more than a Sad, Awful Test, and it also happens to be on Saturdays. Even now, it continues to remain important and mandatory for those who plan to apply to a wide range of colleges and universities. But unfortunately, these scores prove to be anything but encouraging.
Recent reports have shown that average SAT scores are at a record low of 497 in critical reading and 514 in math. In September, College Board announced that these scores are now at their lowest since 1995. Is there anything surprising about this new low? Iʼd say no.
Within the last decade, education has suffered devastating budget cuts to growing class sizes. Itʼs no surprise that these SAT scores have come as a product.
After observing peers and classmates, itʼs evident that not all individuals take the SAT seriously. While some may have the discipline to buy a study book, devote two hours a week to memorizing SAT vocabulary and review old math concepts, others donʼt feel the need to invest in these study tools. I wonʼt lie—itʼs so hard to be motivated to study for the SAT, but itʼs not impossible.
Today, many students take SAT prep classes with tutoring companies like Princeton Review. Sure, it costs a grand amount just for a few hours of tutoring a week, but like all things in America, nothing comes free. These kinds of classes force students into preparing to do well on these tests.
As a busy student, I can testify to how hard it is to spend time preparing for tests like the SAT. Iʼll even say that Iʼm not satisfied with my score, but at least I put in the effort of trying to self-study. Something needs to be done to motivate students nationwide. We canʼt just sit here and let a small percentage of students perform well while a handful of students pull down those who are putting in the effort. The low scores reflect how poor our education has become.
Yes, the scores of the past are irreplaceable, but we can move forward. If our education nationwide sees this as a wake-up call and places more emphasis on the weaknesses of students, then I believe we could be in for a one-hundred eighty degree turn.