Throw Out the College Application System http://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/05/opinion/sunday/throw-out-the-college-application-system.html?module=Search&mabReward=relbias%3Aw%2C%7B%222%22%3A%22RI%3A17%22%7D

I agree the college application system IS BROKE. Students should be able to perform daily tasks without worry about 1 test grade hanging over their head. Now a days, kids are pressured to do well in school to get into a good school, but once they get in chances are they flunk out because they didn't have the ability to know what it's like to be accepted. What I mean by this is kids who stress about their grades all the time are missing out on opportunities that end up helping your life in the future. All though many don't appreciate after school activities, clubs or sports allow you to be yourself and follow your own path that will help you get through college. It allows you to connect with your personal interests as well as meet new people you can connect with. Through sports, playing in games should be the greatest moment of your life. All those years of hard work should be left out on the field, and although grades are needed for college, should be the true focus in your young life. 

       Grades are meant to rate you on your performance. The only problem is, one bad test score can ruin your chances of getting into an Ivy league, or even a large Private school with limited admission. Colleges today fail to look at overall success in the outside world as well as athletic potential and other areas of life that can't be measured by the SAT scores. I agree with the author and believe that student applications to assessment centers could help those struggling in school, but express strength in other areas. Another problem about standardized tests is the array of questions that are on the test. The rigorous brain training just to prepare for the test is simply to much and shouldn't just be based on academics. Its an unfair advantage to many individuals, and colleges should consider other options.