I believe the ACT and SAT are designed to measure the level of academic comprehension or understanding a student has achieved, which is tells the college something about the kids educational foundation before starting school. It isn't an IQ test, but high intelligence certainly helps with the test, just as it does with getting good grades in high school. For best results on the ACT or SAT have great intelligence a great work ethic, good teachers growing up, and pay attention in class to the extent that you learn everything.
The reality is that the ACT and SAT are but one tool to determine success in college, and I am unaware of any college which uses only those test. Grades tell some of the story, writing samples are relevant, interviews can reveal something, as can other things different institutions may choose.
I do think that the "test anxiety" excuse for a poor SAT or ACT score fails to hold water. That same anxiety could be likewise used as reasoning for getting poor grades in high school, or not being elected to student government positions, or hitting a baseball, or performing well on a CFA. The reality is that high achievers find a way to get it done when they need to. They may study harder under stressful circumstances or perhaps they are so bright and have so good an understanding of the material that they do well enough even with the stress of the situation. Some folks aren't wired or conditioned for stress. They typically gravitate to less stressful occupations, which is natural, and perfectly ok.
The reality is that the ACT and SAT are but one tool to determine success in college, and I am unaware of any college which uses only those test. Grades tell some of the story, writing samples are relevant, interviews can reveal something, as can other things different institutions may choose.
I do think that the "test anxiety" excuse for a poor SAT or ACT score fails to hold water. That same anxiety could be likewise used as reasoning for getting poor grades in high school, or not being elected to student government positions, or hitting a baseball, or performing well on a CFA. The reality is that high achievers find a way to get it done when they need to. They may study harder under stressful circumstances or perhaps they are so bright and have so good an understanding of the material that they do well enough even with the stress of the situation. Some folks aren't wired or conditioned for stress. They typically gravitate to less stressful occupations, which is natural, and perfectly ok.
