Standardized tests have been the arbiter of intelligence for a long time. Each year, students are essentially forced into preparing for these exams, whether it be for Math, English, or Science. These tests scores are then used as indicators of intelligence, and they’re especially looked at when applying to college.

Many students dread taking standardized tests because of the unnecessary stress they create. An average student takes about four required classes that end with a standardized test. For instance, a student often takes an English, a Math, a Science, and a Social Studies class that end with a required regents. Most students also participate in extracurricular activities such as sports or clubs. This leaves the student with very little time to give their full undivided attention toward these courses, especially when it’s time to study for the big tests. The National Education Association has said that the average twelfth grader spends about 120 minutes on homework daily. This isn’t even including AP classes work load AP; which requires even more time. If a student is juggling both extracurriculars and massive workload, is there even enough time for that student to efficiently study? Is there even time for he/she to rest his/her brain? Is there time for he/she to socialize? This can leave the student feeling constantly exhausted because he/she is now unable to reach the recommended eight hours of sleep. This begs the question:what does this all mean?

What it means, is that that he/she is unable to show his/her full potential as a student, and the college board’s perception of he/she as a student is inaccurate. Another example that might hinder a student’s academic performance is he/she’s emotional condition. What if this student was having a really bad day? Their performance on a test will inevitably not be as great. What if some event inhibited you from focusing on the task at hand? Or rather, there simply wasn’t enough time given to take the test? All of these factors come into play when measuring intelligence, so maybe standardized tests should be abolished and teachers just stick to quizzes and the occasional test.