The official site of the Torch, the student-run newspaper at Glenbrook North High School.

Torch

The official site of the Torch, the student-run newspaper at Glenbrook North High School.

Torch

The official site of the Torch, the student-run newspaper at Glenbrook North High School.

Torch

Editorial: Low scores lead to low hopes

Graphic by Natalie Knez
Graphic by Natalie Knez

Four hours of testing now have implications stretching way beyond four years of college.

High school students are told not to stress too much about the importance of the ACT and SAT because these scores are simply one component of the college admittance process. But now that certain employers are requiring job applicants to provide their test scores as demonstrated in “Companies begin to employ ACT, SAT grades” on the front page, these standardized tests serve as a determining factor to students’ futures beyond academia. It has become the harsh reality that it would benefit students to focus on achieving high scores on the ACT and SAT to best prepare for life after college.

While these scores may not serve as the end-all in defining one’s capabilities, they can serve as an important factor toward determining future employment. In a time with such a competitive job market, it was reported in a Wall Street Journal article published in March that some companies use the scores as an extra way to distinguish between potential employees.

Sure, you can succeed beyond graduation without having the highest standardized test scores in high school, but do not wait to start dedicating yourself to your studies. Although more weight is probably given to more recent factors when applying for a job, if it is down to two applicants with many similar credentials, having a higher score might just be the selling point for a particular candidate. You want that applicant to be you.

Especially because this minimum score requirement is seen on a wider scale for entry-level jobs, high scores may be essential for you to kick-start your career.

Preparing for the long-term impact of these test scores early will best allow for open employment opportunities later in time. Contrary to what students have historically been told, these four hours of testing one weekend can now essentially impact students for the rest of their lives.