Standardized Testing Pros and Cons

If you’re a high school student in the US today, you’ve been taking standardized tests since you were in the third grade. Maybe you sometimes have nightmares about Scantron bubbles; maybe you relish finishing early and getting extra quiet reading time. However you feel about standardized testing, these tests are a big part of how both the American education system and the college admissions systems work.

But these tests are often controversial and are frequently indicted for narrowing the curriculum and causing undue student stress. Let’s take a closer look at both kinds of standardized testing and see how these tests impact students and schools.

What Is Standardized Testing?

Standardized testing is a broad term, but most students encounter two major types during their academic journey. The first kind includes achievement tests given by the state or district, like the STAAR in Texas or the Illinois Assessment of Readiness, to evaluate school performance and student learning outcomes. The second major type is college admissions testing, most commonly the SAT or ACT. These exams are used to measure college readiness and are often submitted with applications.

Although other standardized tests exist, such as diagnostic assessments and general aptitude tests, students generally focus on these two types. Each is designed to provide a consistent format across large populations, which makes it easier to compare outcomes. But as widespread as they are, standardized tests come with benefits and limitations that affect students, schools, and families in different ways.

How Standardized Testing Works

At their core, standardized tests aim to measure student knowledge and skills in a structured, consistent format. Everyone taking the test sees the same types of questions, is given the same time limits, and is scored in the same way. This helps test developers and educators compare results across classrooms, schools, districts, or even the nation.

One advantage of this system is that it can highlight large-scale trends. If a district notices a sharp decline in math scores across several schools, it might investigate curriculum quality or teaching resources. Similarly, college admissions officers can use ACT and SAT scores to gauge applicants from different schools that may use different grading scales.

However, the structure of these tests limits what they can reveal. Multiple-choice and timed questions often favor students who are strong test-takers but may overlook others with deep subject knowledge who process information more slowly. Creativity, collaboration, persistence, which matter a great deal in both school and life, are impossible to measure with these exams. Standardized tests are one data point. They may indicate strengths or weaknesses, but they don’t tell the whole story.

Standardized Testing for Students

From the student’s perspective, the effects of standardized testing can be significant. High schoolers preparing for the SAT or ACT often feel pressure to perform, especially if they’re aiming for competitive colleges or scholarships. Many spend months preparing, sometimes hiring tutors or enrolling in prep courses. The structure of the exam rewards those who can manage time efficiently, understand test logic, and stay calm under pressure.

Younger students taking state-mandated achievement tests may experience test anxiety, even though these results usually don’t affect their grades. In some cases, schools devote weeks to test preparation, reducing the time available for creative projects or deeper learning. For students who struggle with test-taking, the process can lead to frustration or even a sense of failure, despite strong classroom performance.

With the major cons out of the way, there are some pros for students. They get practice managing deadlines and learn how to approach unfamiliar questions methodically. In some cases, the results reveal areas where they truly need help, prompting timely support. The challenge lies in ensuring that these benefits outweigh the stress.

College admissions standardized tests also carry some big advantages for students. Tests like the SAT and ACT offer students a way to stand out, especially when transcripts alone don’t tell the full story. A strong score can boost applications from students in under-resourced schools or help balance out GPA inconsistencies. These tests also remain a key qualifier for many merit-based scholarships, making them financially worthwhile. Since scores are comparable across schools, they provide a consistent benchmark for admissions decisions. Plus, students can retake the test to improve, gaining valuable experience in time management and problem-solving that benefits them beyond college applications. 

Standardized Testing for Schools

The way standardized testing affects schools depends on the type of test. College admissions tests have very little direct impact on school funding or policy. A school might choose to support students with test prep programs or offer the ACT during the school day, but the results of those exams don’t determine how much funding the school receives.

However, state achievement test results carry serious weight. School report cards, district evaluations, and even state and federal funding often depend on these scores. If a school consistently underperforms, it may face consequences ranging from funding cuts to administrative changes. This high-stakes environment encourages schools to focus on test preparation, which can shift the educational experience. Lessons may become more focused on practice questions and skill drills than on developing curiosity, creativity, or deeper learning– which is one of the major drawbacks of the emphasis on standardized tests in schools.

These accountability measures are intended to drive improvement and educational quality. By highlighting underperforming schools, the state can provide additional resources or restructure efforts. Still, this system has drawbacks. Teaching becomes more about checking boxes than helping students explore ideas, and the pressure to raise test scores can lead to burnout among educators. This is especially noticeable in underfunded schools already facing systemic challenges.

Preparing for Standardized Tests 

Standardized testing isn’t going away any time soon. As long as schools and colleges need consistent ways to measure performance, these exams will continue to play a role in education. The key is to treat them as a tool, not a verdict. A low score doesn’t mean a student lacks potential, just as a high score doesn’t tell you everything about someone’s abilities. And these tests don’t have to feel overwhelming. Students who understand what these exams measure and how they work can develop a more confident approach to preparation. That said, the way you study for a state reading test will look very different from how you get ready for the SAT.

For example, state achievement tests are often aligned closely with grade-level standards, so reviewing classroom lessons and working with teachers are some of the most effective strategies.The SAT and ACT, on the other hand, test a broader range of content and reasoning skills. They require not just knowledge but strategy: how to interpret questions quickly, eliminate wrong answer choices, and manage time under pressure. 

That’s where we come in. Whether you’re aiming for a top score or just want to strengthen your test-taking skills, our prep courses are here to help you reach your goals. Our SAT and ACT prep courses are designed to help students learn both the content and the strategies needed to succeed. With proven instructors, structured lesson plans, and expert insights, students walk away more prepared, and often with higher scores. In addition to test prep, subject tutoring is also available for students who want to reinforce what they’re learning in school and boost their confidence for state assessments as well. Want more information? Watch our free webinar and learn more about student success!