Why do standardized tests exist in the first place? The original purpose of standardized testing Standardized tests exist because test scores are considered the only numerical component of an application that is common to every applicant. Test scores are basically a common yardstick by which all applicants can be measured consistently. The only other number that can be found in all applications is the GPA, but the GPA isn’t really very reliable, since different students have access to different teachers for different subjects in different years. So the role of the test is to provide some kind of meaningful numerical indicator that can help the admissions committee begin to make reliable comparisons among applicants. Test scores also provide schools with data they can track, so they can see if the scores correlate with the performance levels of admitted students over time.So testing originally had a role in the admissions process because it was the only consistent indicator common to all applicants.
In order for standardized tests to fulfill their role, they have to do three things: 1) They must measure the same skill-set every time, which means using questions that are designed according to certain standards, patterns, and rules. 2) They must include questions with correct answers that are beyond dispute, and they must be able to apply exactly the same grading standards to a potentially infinite number of test-takers. 3) They must make use of “norm-referenced” scoring algorithms (we don’t care too much about this one from a strategy standpoint, so don’t worry about it).
The secondary purpose of standardized testing When you’re applying to schools, it’s important to realize that the school you’re applying to is constantly worried about how other people are ranking it. So just like you want to impress the school, the school wants to impress the people by letting in really good applicants.
The various organizations that rank schools use the test scores of the student body as an indicator of a school’s quality. And every school is under tremendous pressure to climb in the rankings as much as it possibly can. So every school is under pressure to recruit a stronger class with each new year, which means schools want your scores to be higher so that their own rankings can be higher. In conclusion, standardized tests are important to your development in your future career. wheather it be an enterance exam twoards the college you wish to apply to or the ASVAB army exam they examin your scores in the hopes to set and impression. In conclusion if you want to get into a top school then you better get the top grade.