Diva, you're right that test scores shouldn't and don't matter as much as transcript, but note that they weren't created to disadvantage students. In fact, they were originally created (in conjunction with Harvard) to prove that students from public schools had as much potential as those from private "prep" schools...of course, now they tend to be misused in a whole variety of ways that makes them very problematic.

Which leads to Artist's point. I agree that tests are far from ideal, but I also think there is a serious issue for students who don't test well. While there are exceptions, most colleges and universities have a large number of courses that require high stakes testing. Often 25, 50, even 100 percent of your grade can depend on just one test in a semester long course. Fortunately, there are strategies and support at most institutions to help students become better test takers. One important aspect is to try to conquer anxiety related to the SAT/ACT by remembering that 1) we don't care what you do on any one single test day -we'll use your highest scores whenever you get them and from whatever section of the test they are on and 2) the test truly isn't a measure of your talents or intelligence, has a smaller role in the admissions process than most expect, and is unlikely to have any bearing on your long term success.

I don't necessarily think the ACT scores are an accurate depiction of the students academic abilities or their ability to do well in a College setting. Students may make all A's in courses, without taking study halls, are involved in athletics, involved in class sponsored activities, clubs, and organizations, all the while maintaining a high GPA! Some students are not involved in any type of clubs, activities, athletics, etc. making them less desireable students to have on a campus...because they will not participate and lead at the college level either. Some students just don't "Test" well on standardized tests, in certain situations, etc. I think Colleges and Universities need to look at the whole individual, not just the ACT scores for admission to their Institutes for higher learning. There are many well-rounded students, that are mature, make good grades, possess good study habits, turn in excellent projects and papers, requiring research and preparation, as well as speech presentations of their work, who are also associated with clubs, athletics, organizations, and are outgoing and a tremendous asset as individuals, making a positive, desireable environment to any higher learning Institute...these students, if accepted, would make a far greater contribution to Universities and Colleges, in all areas, through their academic and social abilities, thus making a campus a very liveable, lively and desireable place for other incoming students to look to when making a decision on where they will attend. These students should also be given great consideration in admission to Institutes, based on GPAs and involvement in student activities. Students like this can make an Institute warm and inviting to future students, giving the Institutes more of a chance to grow their student populations and increase their chances of revenue in the form of tuition and all the necessities students need