Question: Student X receives dozens of fliers publicizing the SAT-preparation classes but can’t afford to sign up. Student Y has six SAT-preparation books, spent roughly $1,500 for classes and attends Palo Alto High School, one of the best high schools in the state. Student X scored a 1710 of 2400 points while Student Y scored a 2020. The difference in these students’ experiences can best be described as:
A. Ridiculous; Student Y overspent.
B. Stupid; Student X should have taken out a loan.
C. Acceptable; Student Y is simply capitalizing on the resources available to him.
D. Unfair; If colleges use the same scale — test scores — to compare students X and Y, they should have similar resources available to them.
Answer: D
When in doubt, choose the longest or most complex answer: D. The truth is, any of these answers could be correct. But this is why I support D:
Student X doesn’t have the advantage of working with professionals who know the test inside out, familiarizing herself with the format and practicing sample questions in a real, test-like setting. Student X is Khanh Do, a senior at Evergreen Valley High School in San Jose, whose family — including her parents and four siblings — immigrated to the United States from Vietnam six years ago. Her father’s job as a mechanic pays the rent and supports the family.
Student Y clearly has the material advantage.
This writer has a confession: I am Student Y. And I have to admit, I sometimes took what I had for granted. I complained about the classes and even dozed off sometimes. I doled out money for products and services I thought could help me get the perfect score, perfect college education and perfect job.
And why wouldn’t I? My parents busted their butts so I could have an easier life than they did. They emigrated from Taiwan for graduate school in the late 1970s. For years, my dad lived off a scholarship that gave him $500 per month. He’s a corporate lawyer for arguably the most prestigious law firm in Silicon Valley. My mother, the youngest of nine children, worked her way through school. She’s a successful immigration lawyer who helps thousands of people live out the American Dream she longed for 30 years ago.
It’s no wonder they have high expectations. My brother met them, getting into Princeton University. As for me, I need every advantage I can get. My grades could be better, and I don’t try hard enough. Simply put, I need help.
And there’s nothing wrong with getting it, said Harriet Brand, a spokeswoman for Princeton Review — which provides classes to help student prepare for tests. She said students who can’t afford test-preparation classes can buy SAT books or take after-school classes provided in some areas. She said while these alternatives may not be as desirable as taking high-end courses, it’s all about a student’s motivation.
You can be as motivated as you want, but that may not be enough.
Consider Do. She has a 4.0 grade-point average and attends Biotechnical Academy, an accelerated program at her school.
The 310-point difference in our scores can be decisive in gaining admission to the top colleges. It’s unfair the system has made it so people like me can essentially buy our way to success, while Do and others like her cannot.
Something must be done to level the playing field. Students can start petitions, write letters to educators or donate money to low-income students. Or students can form an SAT club that raises money to award scholarships or hire instructors.
For now, all I can do is be grateful for the opportunities I have. That means no more sleeping in class or griping.