Question for the day : 1 test defining your entire life;
and a political sidenote

In high school I was a bit of a rebel. I felt I was only going to learn what I really wanted to. I was going to be a filmmaker, the female Spike Lee if you will, so I felt that half the crap in high school I just didn't need. The only class I actually remember studying for was Physics because that mess kicked my behind and I needed it to graduate. Even went for tutoring after school, but in every other class, I absorbed what I got in class and came out alright on test day. I always felt that tests never really measured exactly how smart you were anyway. Take a look at this diagram.
Look at what blacks are scoring on their SAT's. Now not in any way do I feel what you get on this test defines the rest of your life... I know people that got above 1300 that are flipping burgers at McDonald's right now. I wonder if its because these kids have the same feelings about tests as I did. I never studied for the SAT's. My whole logic was if I got at least 1000 I could go to just about any film school I wanted. I took the test in my junior year of high school and got a 960. I was so pissed. I took the test again the summer before my senior year and got 1000 on the dot, 550 in math and 450 in verbal. I never took the test again. I remember my senior year so many people put off taking it until the last minute and I was done. I know people that took that test half a dozen times and still didn't get what I did. My best friend really needed an 850 to get his track scholarship to Nebraska and always fell short. His mom paid so much money for tutors and every book in Borders and he still didn't make it. He studied with me for a month before the test a couple times a week and got the score he needed. She still thanks me til this day for helping him out.

Now with that said, why is so much pressure put on kids to succeed in this one test? I have many successful readers that are living their dreams and very smart so the question for the day is:

What did you get on your SAT's?

I don't want kids to look at this as a way to not really try because they see people here doing big things that may not have gotten a good score, but I think if there wasn't so much pressure on the kids that they aren't going to be anything if they don't do well on this one test, that they would do a lot better.

______________________________________

Sidenote - Go check me out on Mahogany Butterfly. I did a real personal post about being a democrat and having a mom who is republican. I don't talk about politics much so I am going to get all of this in at once. My homie Terrence J and his best friend Fred Whit, both hailed from my alma mater North Carolina A&T State University... AGGIE PRIDE stand up!!! Went on a tour to register 100,000 people to vote and they are going to air it on BET. The special is called "Crank that vote" yeah a dumb ass title, but what did you expect its BET... but I'm still going to support my boy and watch (mainly because him and Fred were given the chance to produce the segment as well). Here is the trailer.

I'll leave you with the most beautiful picture I think I've seen to date of Obama. I'm thinking about getting it poster size and framing to put in my little office area at the crib.
Photobucket Image Hosting

51 comments

Dave Van Buren September 11, 2008 at 7:59 AM

I think I got a 960 or 970. It was higher than my sister so I was happy.

Charles September 11, 2008 at 8:12 AM

Overall I got a 1310...but that's because they take the best of your scores from math and verbal. I took it twice under durress because my mom is a teacher and claimed that I could do better. I be damned if I'm flipping burgers....

MzInspiredMind81 September 11, 2008 at 8:24 AM

Girl, I didn't take the SAT. In my corner of the world, those were always known as "THE HARD ONE". LOL! No, seriously, most of the schools I applied to preferred the ACT. I took it two times. The first time I took it and got a 30. I was dead set on going to my Dream school (Howard Univ. STAND UP THE REAL HU!!!!) and they wanted a 34. I took it again and got that 34.

It's sad that the pressure of the SAT/ACT does seem as if it will define one's life. Standardized testing is being used earlier and earlier. Where I live there are standardized test to get into Kindergarten!

Lina September 11, 2008 at 8:36 AM

Its funny you say you took it twice and got a 960 and 1000, because those are the same exact scores I got.

MP September 11, 2008 at 8:49 AM

I took it once and got 1000. 450 in math and 550 in verbal. I was happy. I got into even single school that i applied to and that's all that mattered.

I think the SAT is the most ridiculous form of testing. People learn in many different ways and test in many different ways. Everybody in this world is different so why the hell are we all taking the same test?

Jada September 11, 2008 at 9:12 AM

I got a 1030 and that was good enough for me. I took the ACT too, but have no clue what I got on that.

And I have a frined who went to A&T while Terrence J was there. Matter fact he was her frat bro. I think what they're doing for voting is great. So hope people turn out in record numbers for the election. If we can vite for American Idol, we can vote for the next President of the United States.

blackstar September 11, 2008 at 9:42 AM

I got a 1200 on the SAT, however - I used my ACT scores to get into college - I believe I got like a 30. I took that one 2 times and made a 25 the first time (which wasn't high enough for the scholarship I needed to have to go to college :( ) Clearly the gap between my SAT score and my ACT score represent something I was missing.....

That picture of Obama is BEAUTIFUL. I saved that one for my personal archives. If you get it printed, please let me know who you use to get the print.

MsKayotic September 11, 2008 at 9:48 AM

I would love to tell you but I think the test is truly biased.

I managed to get a great score and be accepted to any school I applied to. That is as far as I will go with it.

I was talking about the SATs at work and this guy felt really bad because he didn't score as high but he also had the language barrier going against him.

Like the new layout. I think I know where you got it from.

Anonymous September 11, 2008 at 10:44 AM

I didn't take the SAT but the ACT. Alot of schools down south prefer the ACT. I took the ACT twice. First time, I made a 22. Second time a 25.

There is too much pressure on kids especially the tests they have to take to pass to the next grade. I think you take the tests in 3rd and 6th grade. Another thing, you can't really study for the ACT/SAT.

PCD (Pretty Circle Drawer) September 11, 2008 at 10:44 AM

that pic is gorgeous! oh and i took the ACT but forgive me because i can't remember my score. it was soooooo not-memorable...but i got my scholarship and stayed local

Brown Girl Gumbo September 11, 2008 at 11:23 AM

I honestly don't remember what I got on my SATs. I don't know if that's good or bad. I am really shocked that I can't remember. I'll have to ask my best friend who has the best memory, while of course I have the worst.

kit von b. September 11, 2008 at 11:32 AM

hell if i know. i was a class clown in highschool and never studied for anything.

-KB

kayellejaye September 11, 2008 at 11:32 AM

I got either 1150 or 1050 and I got into every school I applied for.

I didn't know you could take it more than once. If so, I would've.

Miss Snarky Pants September 11, 2008 at 11:50 AM

Life, dealt me a totally different hand so unfortunately, I never took the SAT's.

RealHustla September 11, 2008 at 11:53 AM

850. Yep that was me. I didn't have big dreams back then, so I didn't bother to take it again. I don't think I would have done any better the next 5 times.

Tiffany S. Jones September 11, 2008 at 12:05 PM

AGGIE PRIDE!!!
That's cool that they're doing that. I had no idea because I don't watch that channel at all.
As for my SAT, I got a grand total of 800. I took it in 10th grade and decided to never put myself through that agony again.
I never have tested well. I hear the word test and I tense up. I got good grades in high school and did a whole ass of extra curriculars so I could get into school.
I did and long story short, I'm doing OK. Freaked the hell out of my college career, did three internships and graduated in three years.
I think I did OK for a person who was dumb according to a damn test.

The Jaded NYer September 11, 2008 at 12:56 PM

SATs were a HUGE deal at my HS because we were a specialized HS accustomed to churning out engineers and doctors, etc, and were in direct competition with Stuyvesant and Bx Science.

I, on the other hand, was too through with school in my junior/senior year. I got an 1120 and it was enough to get the hell out of NYC and away from my family! lol

I'll check out your article later on today.

Stew September 11, 2008 at 1:08 PM

AGGIE PRIDE!!! (we 2-0 right now WTF!!!)

i think the best i did on the SAT was somewhere close to 1100 i can not remember. but if you folks think the SAT is hard you should try taking the GRE.....its like the SAT's angry big brother.

those tests dont mean shit. some people are naturally better test takers than others. and the gap will continue to get larger and larger because white kids are getting the help they need to prepare for the SAT. mainly because they have the money to pay for the expensive ass classes that Kaplan offers, and they just generally have more knowledge about they services available to help

ShellyShell September 11, 2008 at 1:10 PM

SAT's were a big deal at my high school. The first time I took them I got a 1000. I was so nervous. The next time I took them I went out the night before drank a little and was relaxed as hell and ended up with a 1230. I also took the ACT's and got a 32.

1/3 September 11, 2008 at 1:29 PM

I got a 970. That test is the stupiest ever! It doesnt really show what u know...just ur test taking skills. The ACT is a much better test cause at least you can see a persons writing skills.

IntrospectiveGoddess September 11, 2008 at 1:32 PM

I didnt take the SAT, I took a practice one and it was hard as hell so I took the ACT and got a 23the first time took it again and got a 24. I hate standardized tests...trying to study for the GRE...its my biggest hurdle at the moment.

Jada September 11, 2008 at 1:34 PM

but if you folks think the SAT is hard you should try taking the GRE.....its like the SAT's angry big brother.

You ain't never lied. I took the GRE and got just what I needed to get into the business program. I did considerably well on the essay.english portion, but the math kicked my ass.

I remember in HS I took an SAT course b/c my English teacher was conducting it. This nice white lady. She told us that the people grading these test were upper class white people, so when in doubt...go with the answer they would best relate to. Crazy huh?

Monie September 11, 2008 at 3:00 PM

I didn't need to take the SATs thank God! I took the ACT I remember my score was good and got me some scholarship money but I can't remember what it was.

The F_Uitlist September 11, 2008 at 3:06 PM

that is the most amazing picture, I will make it my screen saver. and maybe put it up in Cj's room you know how he loves Obama.

SAT, I got a 1350. There was a bet at this progam that if we all broke 1000 they would take us to dinner. We all did and opted for KFC and a trip upstate to the company Chalet.

Eb the Celeb September 11, 2008 at 3:26 PM

@Stew - I did NOT know your arse was an Aggie and yes I know... JCSmith down, WSSU down... and I am loving every bit of it...

waiting on 12kyle to come over here hating!

clnmike September 11, 2008 at 3:31 PM

I took the SAT still high on an acid tab the night before, couldnt sleep or stop smiling, I barely remember taking the test but I scored a 960. Took it again sober and scored a 860, go figure.

OG, The Original Glamazon September 11, 2008 at 3:50 PM

I LOVE that picture. And surprisingly almost 20 years after graduation I remember 1340 0r 1360. I remember I only took it once the day after I graduated and stayed up all night at Project Graduation. I did take the PSAT when I was a Freshman and Sophomore. I STILL need to take the GMAT because b-school is in my 5 year plan it has been in my 5 year plan for the last 10 years.

I just must say one mo’ gin THAT PICTURE IS AWESOME! It may become my new wallpaper on my laptop!! INSPIRATIONAL and ASPIRATIONAL!!

-OG

Sweet KeiKei September 11, 2008 at 4:25 PM

1 was always good at test taking but only got 1150 combined. i 4get the breakdown. i went to community college b4 dropping out of that to party like crazy. i'm not flippin burgers but i could be doing better.

Ishea September 11, 2008 at 4:29 PM

I didn't have to take the SAT because I wasn't aiming to get into a coast school. I believe I got a 26/27 on the ACT which was better than the IL state average of like 22 or so...but this was years ago.

I think that the snap music craze has taken over and kids are losing interest in school...as the times change we need to find fresh, innovative ways to adapt learning to a new generation that is driven by instant gratification and celebrities...not to mention paying our teachers more...

Mr.Slish September 11, 2008 at 4:49 PM

Damn I'm ashamed to even type myunder achieving score...Lucky The school visual arts liked my portfolio...lol

AroundHarlem.com September 11, 2008 at 5:09 PM

1250 was my magic number, but like you I was a smart but didn't study. Didn't really need to until geometry. That and calculus were the only two things that ever kicked my but in school.

Anyway, I remember people saying the tests were culturally biased and not a true reflection of intelligence when I was a kid. Didn't really understand their point then, but I definitely do know.

And, I agree.

I scored lower on the verbal part because I refused to memorize a dictionary and in regards to the reading comprehension, most of the examples they used had me going WTF? It's hard to evaluate something if you have no basis of reference of the topic, hence the cultural bias.

12kyle September 11, 2008 at 10:17 PM

I made a 1030 the first time that I took it. That was cool for me b/c I only needed a 700 to get my football scholarship to South Carolina State University

Speaking of football...congrats to the Aggies. After a 27 consecutive game losing streak, ya'll have won 2 straight games. And that calls for a celebration!!! We play y'all for the last game of the season. Wanna put some money on that. I know we'll put up at LEAST 40 pts on A&T. LMAO!!

Good post, sis! It's all hate...and love.

Dani B. September 11, 2008 at 10:51 PM

I got a 1430 the first time. I went to an SAT Prep class, took it again and got a 1340. That test is a crock of bullshit, it's designed for you to fail.

PhlyyGirl September 11, 2008 at 11:11 PM

Mannn, I always did well on standarized tests. I was actually a National Acheivement Scholar (Black version of National Merit) based on my SAT scores and I got a 30 on my ACT and that's WITH me falling asleep through the science portion of that shit.
I think those tests are bullshit though because they don't accurately measure ability or knowledge, only memorization and recitation.

But what the fuck do I know?
You changed your blog though. Cuuuuuuteeeee.

Anonymous September 12, 2008 at 4:25 AM

i'm like the girl above. i always did well on standardized tests and i was a huge over-achiever in high school. also a National Achievement Scholar blah blah blah. i actually applied to Harvard just for shits and giggles. Lol. however, i did suck balls at math. math and chem have always kicked my butt.

this test is important because the powers that be have decided to test student intelligence through this test. it behooves african american men and women, regardless of how much you don't like it, to try and do well. it's the only chance we got to show them what we got. also, i'm not sure but i think the SATs was created by a man who believed in eugenics. which sucks.

i'm not going to tell you my math score (i've never recovered from the shame of that score) but i got a 740 on my verbal.

oh and it concerns me how many ppl replied that they only bothered to do well enough to get into the school of their choice. that's such a defeatist attitude, at least to me.

Anonymous September 12, 2008 at 4:30 AM

and that pic da bomb. man loo slike he's catwalking. im so into him.

Eb the Celeb September 12, 2008 at 8:56 AM

@clnmike - are you serious... you did ACID? SMH!

@12kyle - I knew it was only going to be a matter of time before you came over here hating... SC who? Well we'll just have to wait and see at that last game huh

clnmike September 12, 2008 at 10:41 AM

This cat has been around the world.

queenbee September 12, 2008 at 11:47 AM

i never studied for it, i was goin to a community college but i took it cuz my bf said i should and i got a 1350(SATs that is)

Blank September 12, 2008 at 12:19 PM

man screw the SAT I got a 950 on that thing after two try so I quit taking it. I took the ACT like 3 times and got a 26 total I think the highest is like 36 or something.

nil September 12, 2008 at 12:32 PM

Took the SAT twice ...got a980 the first time and an 1130 the second......I took the ACT and got a 30 ..really wanted to go to HU got a scholarship and everything but being that I was still 16 when i graduated moms WAS NOT having it....boooo

Didi Roby September 12, 2008 at 7:19 PM

I love it over here! Thanx for stopping by my way. I am just reading don't mind me.

nicole September 13, 2008 at 6:43 AM

uh oh uh oh i think i win! i got a 1400 on my SATS...super nerd. i'm studyin for GMAT now :/

that chart graph blow my mind.

Undeniably...Deep aka Tina-B September 14, 2008 at 7:44 PM

SAT..took that test twice cuz i was workin for a scholarship. Got a 1050 then an 1100. And Still didnt get the freakn scholarship. damn school offered it to one of my best friends who didnt even plan on going to that school. I felt shitty. But I took the ACT, too. Got a 23. Didnt matter though. graduated high school with honors and still got a few offers from other FL colleges. Ended up startin @ the community college that gave me a full ride. That was a better choice looking back on cuz it helped me transition to university better. I ended up graduating from the college I initially worked my ass off for that scholarship they didnt give me.

Just took the GRE last Wed. Thats what's gonna get you into graduate school. Didnt even break double digits on that test. But still, enough to get in. Wish me luck on getting in.

Kids now a days are in for some shit. I work at a community college and I'm shocked at what kind of work is required. Its so basic (almost high school) and they are still struggling. Our future is bleak if we dont do something, people.

Educate yourselves and your children.

Miss Lovely September 14, 2008 at 10:35 PM

Got a 970 on my SAT's. I could've got a higher grade (i'm waaaay smarter) but I simply started BSing through the math cause I was tired. Besides I don't think test are an accurate representation of your intelligence. I was disappointed but I refused to take it over. Still got into a good school

Vee September 15, 2008 at 8:58 AM

I got a 1060 on my SAT. I took it my senior year. got a 400 on the math though...LOL I've never been good at math after the basics. Or maybe i just never applied myself because I knew it had nothing to do with what I wanted to do in life past the basics. After Algebra I, I stayed with Cs in math :-(

Anonymous September 15, 2008 at 7:18 PM

The SAT must be an East Coast thang. I took the ACT. Got the same exact score both times. But I figure I'm good at standardized tests.

It got me into all the schools I applied for as well as got me around 4 scholarships.

Then I took the LSAT. That thang was no joke.

And in a year and a half, I gotta take the Bar.

Damn those standardized tests.

RAGING BULL September 16, 2008 at 10:28 PM

I took the SAT prep class that a Latin (the language) and an Algebra/Geometry teacher taught. And studied the SAT prep book and all that spring of my 11th grade year. I had taken the PSAT (Practice SAT) my sophmore and junior year and scored around 1000 and 1050.

I needed a score of around 1150 to get both Bright Futures (State of Florida's free ride scholarship) and F.A.M.U.'s Presidential Scholarship.

Me being a nerd and taking shit seriously got me a 1300 (660 Math 640 Verbal) That shit qualified me for A whole lot more money and stuff. I'm glad I did.

Ok, honestly, I don't see how the test is biased. Please show me some evidence that can't be considered circumstancial.

iCandy21 September 24, 2008 at 9:26 AM

I actually took the SAT in 7th grade and got a 1040, and was upset. why i was upset...i really don't know lol. it put me in this johns hopkins gifted and talented program which didnt do shit for me, but anyway...i took it again my junior year and got a 1090. Now THAT one really made angry. I had studied so long for the test, and the night b4 I got into a huge arguement w/this guy I was dealing with and ended up going to bed at like 2am, and woke up crying upset at him, and headed to take the test. my head really wasn't there. It didnt matter anyway b/c my senior yr i skipped a day of school, and my parents wouldnt let me go away to school bc of it, so regardless of my decent scores I still didn't get to go where I wanted.

Britt November 8, 2008 at 7:29 PM

I took the ACT...Needed a 21...got a 23 and I was DONE!!! I almost died sitting in that room for 4 hours, I was so nervous that I messed up. But I still got into college ;)

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