Imagine Magazine - Johns Hopkins - March/April 2011 - (Page 43)

planning ahead for college Still Another Standardized Test? Why? Does it seem like you are being asked to take a standardized test every time you turn around? With a renewed focus on raising educational standards, it is likely that even more assessments will be coming your way. With so many tests, it might be tempting to blow off standardized assessments your school requires but that don’t appear on your transcript, or to avoid any tests that are optional, like the Talent Search assessments, or any SAT or AP achievement tests that you do not absolutely need for college. But don’t be so quick to pass up these opportunities. Testing can help you learn more about yourself, aid in educational decision-making, and help you chart your future toward college. by Linda E. Brody, EdD does suggest you may be ready for more advanced work taught at a faster pace than other students your age. A high score can alert your school to the extent of your exceptional abilities and educational needs. On the other hand, if your Talent Search performance is more modest, it doesn’t mean you should diminish your goals. Students develop at different rates, and you are still likely to be at the top of your class and to excel on the SAT or ACT by the end of high school. It just suggests that honors-level classes designed for your grade level may be able to meet your needs for now. The point is that the information gleaned from above-level tests can help to inform good educational decision-making as you progress through high school. Standardized School Assessments Your teachers compare your performance to your classmates every day. But how do you perform compared to others in your state or in the nation? Do you really know if you have completely mastered the skills and content you should have by now, or might there be some important topics not covered by your school curriculum? Standardized tests provide norms that allow you to compare your performance to that of a larger population. If you are found lacking, you can then identify and work on any deficits before you head to college. On the other hand, good scores may make you eligible for special programs in high school or allow you to be admitted to more advanced courses. It is hard to ask for a more challenging program if you can’t show you have mastered the regular one. SAT Subject Tests, AP and IB Exams Like other standardized tests, these achievement tests assess your knowledge of a subject but also allow you to compare your performance to that of others around the country. This is why colleges want them in your admissions portfolio—they want to be able to evaluate your learning without the bias of differing school and teacher standards. This objective information—whether you do well on these tests or not—can also help you select courses when you are in college that will be at the appropriate level to enhance your likelihood of success. Most colleges require you to submit scores for two SAT Subject Tests, and it’s tempting to take tests only in your two best subjects. But demonstrating a strong understanding of more subjects by submitting additional SAT Subject Tests, as well as AP or IB examination results, can enhance your acceptance chances. Harvard’s website emphasizes this point: “All students are encouraged to submit additional Subject Tests (which may include one in a student’s first language), Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate test results, or any other evidence of the breadth and depth of their academic accomplishments.” Talent Search Tests Most school assessments are in-level tests; 8th graders take tests that measure the skills and knowledge expected of 8th graders, for example, while students in higher or lower grades are given test items for those grades. If you consistently score near the top on in-level tests, you are doing what psychometricians refer to as “hitting the ceiling.” You may require a more difficult assessment to show the true extent of your abilities. When you take the SAT or ACT as a 7th or 8th grader through a Talent Search, your performance will be compared to that of college-bound seniors. If you score really well, it doesn’t mean you are ready to go to college, but it S www.cty.jhu.edu/imagine imagine 43 SHUttErStOCk tandardized tests serve two purposes: to show schools and colleges what you know, but also, most importantly, to show yourself what you know. Take advantage of assessment opportunities to learn more about yourself so that you can chart your future appropriately. http://www.cty.jhu.edu/imagine

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Imagine Magazine - Johns Hopkins - March/April 2011

Imagine Magazine - Johns Hopkins - March/April 2011
Contents
Big Picture
In My Own Words
Problem Solving
Orange County Math Circle
Number Theory
Count Me In
National Mathematics Competitions
Math at the Science Fair
Just My Speed
MathPath
When Origami Meets Rocket Science
Selected Opportunities & Resources
Making a Difference
High School Options for Gifted Students
Off the Shelf
Word Wise
Exploring Career Options
One Step Ahead
Planning Ahead for College
Students Review
Mark Your Calendar
Knossos Games

Imagine Magazine - Johns Hopkins - March/April 2011