High School

What are the reasons that lower-class students score worse on the SAT than higher-class students?

1) They are more likely to take the test multiple times.
2) Their IQs are lower.
3) They don't develop strong peer support by studying for the test with classmates.
4) Their parents are less able to pay for preparatory classes before they take the test.

Answer :

The reasons that lower-class students score worse on the SAT than higher-class students include 1) They are more likely to take the test multiple times, 2) Their IQs are lower, 3) They don't develop strong peer support by studying for the test with classmates, and 4) Their parents are less able to pay for preparatory classes for them before they take the test.All the given options are correct.

Lower-class students may face several barriers that contribute to their lower SAT scores compared to higher-class students. Firstly, they are more likely to take the test multiple times, which can indicate a lack of initial preparation or access to resources for adequately preparing for the test. Additionally, lower-class students may have lower IQ scores due to various socioeconomic factors, including limited access to quality education, resources, and opportunities for intellectual development.

Moreover, lower-class students may lack strong peer support networks for studying for the SAT, as they may attend schools with fewer resources or face social and economic barriers that hinder collaborative study efforts. Lastly, their parents' financial constraints may prevent them from affording preparatory classes or tutoring services, which are commonly utilized by higher-class students to improve their SAT scores.

These disparities in access to resources and support contribute to the achievement gap observed in SAT scores between lower-class and higher-class students. Addressing these systemic inequalities and providing equitable access to resources and support is crucial for leveling the playing field and promoting academic success for all students, regardless of socioeconomic background.All the given options are correct.

The correct answer is option 3 and 4. Lower-class students may score lower on the SAT due to economic barriers to accessing preparatory courses, a lack of peer support networks for studying, and the stress associated with socioeconomic challenges, which can affect cognitive functions. Contrary to the stereotype, lower IQ is not a valid explanation for these performance gaps.

The performance of lower-class students on the SAT is impacted by several factors that include economic disparities and limited access to resources. One significant reason is the unaffordability of SAT-prep courses and private tutoring for their families, which often results in a lack of preparedness compared to their higher-income peers who can afford extensive test preparation. Another factor is the absence of a supportive peer network for collaborative studying, which can enhance comprehension and retention of material. The claim that lower-class students have inherently lower IQs is not substantiated by research and can be considered an inappropriate and inaccurate explanation of the performance gaps observed on standardized tests like the SAT.Furthermore, socioeconomic factors contribute to the stress experienced by low-income children, potentially affecting their brain development and function, which can indirectly impact their test performance. Research has also shown that the predictive validity of SAT scores is contentious, and many educational institutions are reconsidering the weight these scores carry in college admissions. Understanding that SAT scores are influenced by systemic and socioeconomic issues, rather than inherent ability, is crucial in addressing fairness in college admissions.