The Letter

How I contacted my receiver: I found the receiver's contact information from the UMBC website. The adresss, name, and title of the individual I am writing to was found under the Faculty link.

November 20, 2013

Dale Bittinger, Director of Undergraduate Admissions and Orientation

Library, RM 010E

UMBC

1000 Hilltop Circle

Baltimore, MD 21250

Dear Mr. Bittinger:

My name is Briana Richardson and I am a freshman at Stevenson University. I am writing this letter in order to request change as it relates to the SAT test. As a recent high school graduate, I understand the pressure that high school juniors and seniors feel as it relates to preparing for college. In order to make the pressure a little easier, I believe that there should not be so much emphasis placed on the SAT test.

I personally was denied from UMBC because of my low SAT scores, despite having a 4.0 GPA and being actively involved in community service projects. Also, I had very strong letters of recommendation, but my SAT scores were weighed more heavily than any of my other accomplishments. I was not given the opportunity to demonstrate my work ethic and potential. Some universities realize students’ potential so they do not place emphasis on the SAT. These universities, along with other critics of the SAT, believe that the test does not determine whether or not a student is prepared for life after high school. Also, they believe that the SAT does not accurately measure the intelligence of students (“Standardized High School Exit Exams”). For example, Loyola University in Baltimore, MD, makes submitting SAT scores optional. By making submitting SAT scores optional, Loyola is giving students like me a chance to prove themselves and meet their full potential.  

Many will say that the SAT helps universities determine which students are prepared for college, and which students are not. Also, they will say that the SAT determines whether or not students have obtained the basic academic skills needed in order to succeed in college (“Standardized Tests ProCon.org”). However, based on my personal experience, the material on the SAT is not similar to the material studied in college. Being a successful college student is about time management and putting forth a tremendous deal of effort. As a first year student, I have realized that college requires a new way of thinking and comprehending material. The SAT does not test a students’ way of thinking, but his/her ability to memorize information.

UMBC could be denying a tremendous amount of students like me. These students like myself are hard workers and very bright. There are many students who do not perform well on tests, but are intelligent and more importantly motivated. The university should place more emphasis on the work ethic and determination of students. By placing less emphasis on the test, this university can open the door of opportunity for a variety of students who go on to be successful. This will also make UMBC an even more diverse university. This could help the university produce even more innovative individuals and productive members of society. I hope that my request is taken into consideration and possibly implemented in the future.

 

Thank you for your time and attention to this matter,

Briana Richardson