SAT Testing scores should not limit the applicants to colleges.

Thanks to the affirmative for the debate. I, Pote, negate the resolved: "that SAT Testing scores should not limit the applicants to colleges" Basically I am going to argue that SAT Testing scores should be used to limit applicants to colleges. I will not argue that SAT scores should be used as the only factor in determining college acceptance. Definition: Limit-verb: to restrict by or as if by establishing limits (usually fol. by to)(1) Contention one: SAT scores are a quick and easy way to gauge a student's ability to succeed. Colleges place importance on SAT scores because they are a simple way to compare applicants directly against each other. It is much easier to compare an SAT score of 2200 to 1650 than it is to compare 3 years of swimming to 2 years of band and 25 hours of community service. Studies have shown that students that score well on the SAT tend to do better in college than students that do not score well on the SAT. (2) If you were a college admissions officer, wouldn't you want to know a number value that does a good job of predicting how well an applicant will do? Contention two: SAT scores are used in conjunction with many other factors to determine if a student is accepted. Almost all colleges consider high school (and sometimes middle school)GPA. Many colleges have a personal statement section of their applications that they consider. Many colleges consider extracurricular activities. Many colleges consider awards. Many colleges consider ethnicity. Many colleges consider family circumstances. (2) The list goes on and on. Admissions officers don't just glance at SAT scores and admit students if they score above x. The SAT isn't even considered as the most important factor for many colleges. (2) Contention three: Standardized tests are predictable, which sets almost all students on an even playing field. The point of a standardized test is to give all the test takers an equal chance of performing at their highest. (3) Students are able to take the test over and over, and they can prepare as much as they want between each test. If a student does not prepare for the SAT, they deserve to be at a disadvantage when taking it. They put this disadvantage on themselves. A standardized test offers the highest possible level of fairness. Nothing has less bias than a properly written standardized test, such as the SAT. I challenge my opponent to show me an example of anything that is more fair in comparing students than the SAT. Arguments against the affirmative case: The affirmative has not yet offered any sources. The affirmative has not yet offered any definitions. Affirmative contention one: " Many colleges don't even give a chance to contact the student or applicant directly" This is untrue. A personal statement is a chance for students to directly contact the admissions officer. Also, students can schedule interviews at many colleges. (4)(5) "Colleges base everything on test scores " You can cross apply my second contention to this argument. I do not believe there is a single college in the world that bases admission solely on SAT scores and I challenge my opponent to show an example of one. "Colleges look at the score and throw the file away" First of all, this is not how the process works at all. Colleges send out acceptance or denial letters, they never just ignore an applicant. College admissions officers consider the entire application before they make their decision. There is not a single factor that can automatically deny a student, unless the college requires a certain level of achievement on that factor. Hardly any colleges REQUIRE certain SAT scores. Affirmative contention two: " students' education varies around the globe" This is true, which is even more of a reason for college admission officers to consider SAT scores. A GPA from X High School cannot be compared to a GPA from Y High School, but an SAT score of X can be compared to an SAT score of Y. "When students take the SAT exam in their junior and senior years, it put pressure on them. Have you ever had to do something under pressure and you have a hard time doing so?" The SAT is designed to test students under pressure, which is important for colleges. College tests also pressure students, so why would colleges want to see how well students do without pressure? All students are under pressure, so it is fair. Affirmative third contention: "A somewhat decent student isn't allowed in a university all because of test scores and are denied because of them" I want to know what determines if a student is "decent" if not standardized test scores. "Everyone should have a chance to get into a college/university" Everyone does have a chance to get into any college/univeristy. If a person lowers their chance by not preparing for the SAT, they deserve to have less of a chance to get in. "their acceptance not be based on test scores" Test scores are also used in determining GPA, so does that mean that acceptance should not be based off GPA? What should college acceptance be based off of? (1)-http://dictionary.reference.com... (2)-http://www.collegeboard.com... (3)-http://en.wikipedia.org... (4)-http://www.writinghelp-central.com... (5)-http://www.collegeboard.com...