ACT & SAT
As a current high school senior amidst the college process, I find the topic of ACT and SAT extremely pressing. The companies that produce the ACT and SAT purposely make the tests difficult to accomplish without tutoring.
With this in mind, the price of an ACT/ SAT tutor can range anywhere from $100-$600 an hour. The College Board, which owns the SAT, states that these tests are predictive of college performance and offer a uniform ruler that allows colleges to compare students.
As a student currently going through this process, hearing this statement is infuriating. I can attest that this is in no way shape or form an accurate way to test students. It creates an unfair advantage for those who can afford months of tutoring and practice tests.
In addition to tutoring, many students need accommodations, but the SAT and ACT make the process of gaining accommodations extremely strenuous and expensive. Many students who truly deserve extra time don’t have access to the money and resources they need to obtain it.
Pertaining to the UC system, their scores are extremely high and unreasonable for any student, let alone a California resident who pays taxes towards these schools. Considering UC funds rely heavily on taxes from in-state residents, you’d think the system would be slightly more tolerable or accepting of lower test scores.
As a California student who hopes to attend a UC school for college, I’ve found that the odds are more than against me. Although my grades and extracurriculars are worthy, it’s irritating and disheartening that my test scores are held in higher regard.
Overall, I believe this issue is worth assessing and should be reevaluated as soon as possible. As time goes on, the issues are getting worse as new methods of tutoring are introduced, along with people paying to get perfect scores or accommodations.
Considering college plays a big role in determining one’s future, creating an uneven playing field isn’t just affecting their college experience, it’s affecting their future.
Ava Johnson
Town Hall
I am responding to the article discussing the public gathering that took place as a result of the recent fires that plagued the Brentwood and Palisades area. I speak for all of us when I say that I am utterly devastated by the fires that plagued our beloved homes and put us in fear for our loved ones.
I was gutted as I looked to the security cameras of my home only to be met with the sight of firefighters in my backyard, frantically rushing to put out the raging fire. But it is over now, and the fear that was once rushing through me is now ever so small.
Firstly, I would like to thank LAFD as they did an outstanding job containing the fire, they were quick to act and worked tirelessly in order to keep our homes intact. However, I felt as if there was a clear lack of organization, as if they were not as prepared as they could have been.
Having said this, I am very glad to hear of the town hall that took place, as I feel that there were issues that were in dire need of discussion. It was good to hear from the firefighters’ point of view and it pleases me to know that their intentions are to use this experience as a lesson to further augment how they operate.
As a high school student who has to balance homework, studying, work and sleep, this was an extremely stressful time for me. I hope that next time there’s a fire, as a community we can organize ourselves better in order to prevent as much as possible.
Levon Momdjian
The Palisadian-Post accepts letters to the editor via email at mypost@palipost.com or mail/hand-delivered at 881 Alma Real Drive, Suite 213, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272. To be considered for publication, letters must be signed, and are subject to editing for length and clarity. Opinions expressed in letters do not necessarily reflect the views of opinions of the Palisadian-Post.
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