INTOTHEBEST's Blog

by Erin Soldner

Madison -
I’m sorry that you had trouble with your tests, but try not to let it get you down! I’ve known you for a long time and I know that your abilities aren’t reflected by these tests. You’re intelligent and interesting and you’re going to succeed in your life, because you don’t give up easily. So, take them again, and again, and again - I know you’ll do better every time!

by Donavon Rochelle

I would tell Madison that he has to have a good opinion of himself, no matter what anyone says, and no matter what the test scores say. He probably had a bad day, and couldn’t concentrate on taking his tests. I would tell him that that does not mean that he is not smart, ambitious, a good writer, or that he will not be a success in whatever he chooses to do in life. I would be his friend through this.

by Carolyn Sponn

Hi, Madison -
You have good grades and are a great writer. You are smart and ambitious. Test scores are a measure of what you did on one day. Not everyone tests well and some people have test anxiety. Try taking a test review course before you retake the college admissions test. Never forget that you are a wonderful, unique person with many possibilities for the future.

Carolyn

by Stacy Bristow

Dear Madison,
Don’t get your hopes down in lieu of your test scores. That is not the only thing that colleges look at. You have excellent grades, and the confidence and ambitions that any college would want. You are a smart girl, too smart to let a few numbers bring you down. So keep your head up high and go for your dreams.

Stacy

by Cheyenne Gillis-Jones

Imagine you are a student in a foreign country. You are given a test that is written in a language you don’t understand. If you score low on this test does it mean you are not intelligent? Of course not, you posses all the knowledge necessary for a high score; however, if you cannot understand what the test is asking of you it is difficult to give a correct answer. Even a brilliant individual, given a test in a language they do understand, will score low if they cannot decipher what the test is asking for. It just takes practice.

by Kelly Klamer

I would tell Madison that maybe she just got nervous for the test, or tell her about the many other factors that could contribute to her low score. I would encourage her to see if she can retake the test. I would tell her that it should not matter about the score on her test, that she has many other attributes, and maybe explain her situation to the school.

by Matthew Johnson

Listen Madison… We all fall short in our lives at one time or another. We cannot let that hit us so hard that we do not recover. You have no reason to lack confidence in yourself. I have seen you writing and heard you talking: I know you are intelligent, and I know you have enormous potential. I am not going to allow you to turn your back on yourself. You can do anything you put your mind to regardless of these test scores. People believe in you, and now it’s your turn to believe in yourself.

by rebekah kang

I heard about your low IQ scores and how you are discouraged. I want to encourage you to never let go of your dreams. Many people are smart but few are successful or happy. IQ is important but it doesn’t dictate who you are and where you are going. You ultimately decide that. It’s your desires that are going to carry you through. You are great with people and have natural leadership skills. IQ can’t substitute for those skills. Take heart because I see a great leader in you.

by Wendy Waite-Fuller

Dear Madison,
Please don’t be discouraged over those test scores that you got recently. They are not the judge of your intelligence and they certainly don’t foretell your future! You are one of the brightest and most determined people that I know, and I am sure that once your college essays go in for review you will get the credit that you deserve and you will be admitted to the universities that you want to attend. Don’t worry about the numerical end of it all, you will shine in your own light and if the college admissions boards get even a chance to look at your essays and see how well you write, then to look at your grades, and your GPA, you are a shoe-in!
Don’t give up, think positive, and take care,
Wendy

by Dominick Riesland
Free Will and Personal Responsibility Scholarship Winner
College Division

We are defined, not by the labels others put on us, but on the labels we accept for ourselves. Therefore, choose to accept the labels that allow you to grow and prosper, and reject those that hold you back.

So, given a choice between “Did poorly on test” and “Does well in class", which is the better label? Which fits better with other labels such as, “Writes effectively", “Works well with others” and “Makes people smile"? The choice is obvious: You know what you can do, and no one can take that away from you.

by Lilah Landry

Madison, I have known you for years. I have seen you grow intellectually. You know in your heart that you can achieve anything you can dream. You have proven yourself time and again to be a hard worker. You’re not the kind of person to let one bump in the road make you turn around. Not all people do well on standardized tests. So, you’re one of those people who didn’t do so well. It doesn’t mean that you’re not smart. I’ve read your essays; you’re creative, your words flow, and your grammatics are excellent. Madison, don’t let this get you down. You are more talented than you think. You’re going to be very successful one day. All you have to do is work hard and believe in yourself. I know I believe in you.

by AnnaMarie Aura

Madison,
Everything you have done up to this point has been amazing. You have excellent grades, you can move and motivate with your words and you have what it takes to make it no matter what happens from a test. IQ is a matter of perception- should that dictate how you see yourself? I think not. If it were any other test you would have aced it I am sure of it. Does an IQ test get you into college? Not in the least. You can do anything with the brains you have, I am only happy to have someone as bright as you as a friend!

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by Ashley Webb

First, I would ask Madison if she was nervous when she took the tests. Since it has been shown that test anxiety causes people to do worse than normal on tests. Even if it were not test anxiety, I would tell her, that scores do not mean everything. They do not make a person. If she knows that she’s smart and I know that she’s smart, all she has to do is to just try harder in school and continues to make her good grades. And in the end, everything will work out.

by Sarah Phillips

Life is a series of experiences, each one making you stronger, even though it is hard to realize this. Sometimes in order to make yourself stronger, you must learn that the hardships help in marching on to become successful. Life is never easy, but if you keep going, your goals will be met. Anything valuable requires you to break through short-term pain in order to gain long-term pleasure. Do the things you think you cannot do in order to discover ultimately who you are. Dream big and dare to fail because it will make you stronger in the end.

by Laura Moody

Madison, don’t get discouraged, there’s no reason for you to. I know where you are coming from. I just recently took a test that I put a lot of effort into and I did poorly. Granted at first I did feel frustrated with myself and questioned my intelligence but is not going to help my grade. I do, you do, or anyone for that matter has the ability to do well at almost anything the important part to remember is that some things you are just going to have to work harder than others to achieve the greatness you desire.

by Joshua Lemon

Madison, you know there are hundreds of ways that people learn things. Standardized tests can only judge a few of those methods and may not reflect how well you actually learn. Look at your high grades, how well you write, and how ambitious you are. Surely there are more indicators to how well you perform as opposed to the results of a couple of tests.

by s’Aisa Robinson

Dear Madison,
I know that you are extremely upset with your low IQ score. It is okay to feel as if you aren’t good enough sometimes because no one is perfect. You know in your heart that you are smart and all you need to focus on is not what the computer says that you are capable of doing but what you think that you are capable of doing. No one can tell you what you are or what you are not capable of doing. Only you can decide your destiny so don’t let that IQ score predict your future.

by Ryan Bell

Madison,

I’m sorry you didn’t do as well as you would have liked on those tests you took recently. You shouldn’t worry about it, though, because you are smart, you are confident and you are successful, and people can see that in you.

Go speak to the colleges you want to go to and talk to them about how you just don’t test well. Tell them about your 4.0 average and just converse with them for an hour or so. I guarantee that, by the end, they’ll know what we all know.

Do your best,
Ryan

by Melissa Ginter

Madison,

You and I both know that you are an intelligent person. So why are you basing your entire life on an IQ test which can not possibly measure your potential? Doubting yourself doesn’t produce results. The only way you can overcome these MINOR setbacks to retain your confidence that you can and will do better. College is a major step in life, and a lot of people stumble in the beginning, that doesn’t make you less intelligent. If you believe in yourself and your potential, it will all work out. Don’t give up.

by Catherine Lee

Madison’s reason for being intelligent has nothing to do with being “born with it.” She’s trained herself to become successful in the field of academia. Although she is successful with her school grades, she must now train herself to be a better test-taker: a skill no one is born with. Because she has the potential to have very high grades on her college admissions test score and IQ score, some practice is all she needs.

by Sarah Bradbury

Madison- You have worked so hard for four years. There is no reason you should be discouraged. Look at how smart you are, top 10% in your class! Four years of high school with high honors says a lot more than one day of testing. Don’t believe that just because you didn’t score as high as you wanted that you’re not worth as much- because you are! I don’t believe in any statistics, you’re going to go farther than you even thought you could.

by Gary Brents

Madison, I know how upset you are about your test scores. I also know how much pride you take in your educational experiences. However, you must realize that everyone has bad days, even without knowing in advance. In addition, a lot of people become intimidated with the word “test,” and freeze. So, might I suggest that you just relax and look at “tests” as any other assignment you have successfully tackled, and relax with it. Have fun with it. Do not take the tests so personal, especially when we both know you can do a great job on it.

by Sharisma Ware

I will encourage her not to get discouraged because most people who take tests may suffer from test anxiety or just don’t test well maybe because they know it is a very important test that they should do well on. There are others who just do well because they have a natural talent. So she shouldn’t be discouraged because IQ scores and admissions test don’t define who you are and that there are classes that can help her understand why she didn’t do well. There are other chances so don’t worry about it and pray to God about it because he will fix everything for you right when you need him too. Everything will be alright.

by Kenneth Janosko

Hey Madison.
I was thinking about what we were talking about earlier with your IQ and SAT scores and just wanted to say that you shouldn’t worry about it. Those are just silly tests that don’t really measure what they are meant to any way. In my psychology classes, we’ve gone over IQ tests and how innaccurate and biased they are. Anyway, the point is that no matter what you get on a test, you are an amazingly intelligent person and can do anything that you put your mind to. So that is that. I’ll talk to you later.

Kenneth

by Summer Loos

Dear Madison,
I’m so sorry to hear that you weren’t satisfied with your recent test scores. I know that it is disappointing when standardized tests don’t reflect your true potential. Remember that you are so much more than a test score, and even colleges will recognise that! All of your other accomplishments clearly demonstrate that you are an intelligent, disciplined, and dedicated student with a powerful heart and mind. Make sure to highlight all of your fantastic achievements when you do your college applications and these test scores will hardly set you back!

Good luck!
Summer

by Candice Flelder

Madison,

Don’t let your test scores get you down. You are one of the smartest people I know, and one of the most hardworking. College admissions tests simply measure how much information you can retain, your true ability to succeed will come from your perseverance and hard work in school. In the end, it isn’t your test score that anyone will remember. They will remember your ability to succeed by working hard towards your goals. I know you’ll still be able to get into a great school and do well. Don’t give up.

Joi

by Matthew Bober

Dear Mason,
Innovation and creativity are not created by a number on a piece of paper, such as your test score summary. They are created from within mankind’s most treassured gift,the imagination. Success is not measured on how well you do on a test, but how your ideas and thoughts can change yourself and those around you. The control over your confidence will weigh so much more than any test score. With your confidence, not only are you capable to do anything, you will also have the freedom to be yourself.

Sincerely,

Matt

by Thalia Griffith

Madison,
IQ scores and college admissions test scores do not determine the person you are. You still excel at school and are very intelligent. Not everyone is good at taking tests; they make you nervous and anxious. That’s fine, though, because you have many other talents that let you shine! You are an extraordinary writer with great ambition. Focus on your strengths, not your weaknesses; it will get you so much farther! In ten years from now, it’s not going to matter what SAT/ACT score you got, but that you are a happy and successful person, which I know you will be!

by Jason Allen

My dearest friend Madison, let me tell you a story. Once upon a time it was said that the devil had a sale of all his weapons for evil. He had a display for all to see as they passed by. As time passed by a smart, confident gentleman came walking by whose eye was caught by the rather odd display. The gentleman stood there gazing upon the many items within the case and carefully noticed that each weapon had a description and a price. Among the items were the arrows of lust and adultery, the sword of lies and deceit, and the axe of pride. As the gentleman continued to gaze at the display his attention was turned to a little glass box with a lock on it. Within the box was a small wedge tattered and worn with use, but no description. The gentleman being curious discovered that the price for the wedge was much higher than the rest of the weapons. He then asked the devil why such a high price for a tattered wedge? In a rather curious and excited reply the devil stated that it was his wedge of discouragement. “I have been able to use this wedge more successfully than all my other weapons, you let me get that wedge in just a little bit and it allows me to use everything within my arsenal.”
There is only one person telling you that you are not smart Madison, don’t be another victim of the devil’s wedge!

by Lisa Skiff

Madison,
I understand your being discouraged. We all shine in different areas. Some people freeze when it comes time to take tests. It is sad that so much emphasis is placed on how well we do on tests instead of looking at the overall daily performances that we are able to achieve.
You have an excellent head on your shoulders. You will do fine in college and have lots to contribute.
There is no harm in asking for help and support. This does not make you a weak person, just one who realizes that you need assistance.
Your friend,
Lisa

by Jennifer Eisele

Dear Madison,

I know you’re discouraged right now. I would be too. Still, think about it. You make straight A’s. You’re the editor of the Senior Yearbook. You’ve formed three different community service clubs - and they’re all doing great! You’re an amazing person - and I’m so very glad to know you.

I know that doesn’t change the fact that your test scores weren’t what you wanted. I’ve heard about places that teach you how to take tests. You’re so good at studying, I bet with a little practice you can ace Harvard’s entrance exams!

Be Happy! You Rock!

Jen

by Taurance Hurst

Madison, I know that you are discouraged about you IQ score and admissions test score.But as your friend I am here for support. You are very bright and intelligent. Remember when I was stuggling to pass chemistry, and you helped me study. My test grade went from a 54 to 87. I was discouraged, but I knew that it was not the end of the world. Even with this situation this is just a test of your faith and confidence in yourself. You have proven that you are smart. This trial has only come to make you stronger, and to make you work harder to achieve your goals. I know you can do this Madison, you have come too far to let one situation stop you now!!! I am for you to help you in anyway I can, because you helped me!! And besides that’s what friends are for!

by Mary Cheshire

I would tell her I know she is extemely intelligent, and all she has to do is perk up. She’ll feel better when she retakes the test if she is more confident. It isn’t good to let a dumb test defeat her, she needs to defeat the test. Sometimes smart people have a bad test day, and last time may have been hers.

by Thelma Baeza

Madison,

Hi, I hope you’re feeling better. You can’t let that score stop you because you have immense potential. There is so much more to us than scores. My statistics professor told us that IQ exams are not accurate because of the way they are calculated. It’s like putting frosting on a cake. It doesn’t matter if the cake is broken to bits underneath; the frosting smoothes it all out to make it look pretty. That’s exactly what they do with the IQ exams. I know regardless of your IQ score, you are going to do well.

–Georgina

by Stefanie Harris

Madison,

Look, I don’t want you to feel that you’re in any way limited in life just because of stupid scores. If everyone based their capabilities and potential accomplishments on how high a test score is, then we’d have a lot less success out there and more fear and cowardly behavior. I want you to know that you mean a lot to me as a friend and that I believe in you and, in my opinion, that’s worth more than any test score. You are an intelligent and hard-working person, and I know that you’ll achieve any goal you set for yourself.

by Ellen Pittman

You can’t measure intelligence simply based upon one test. An IQ test doesn’t measure your potential and it doesn’t predict your future. College admissions test don’t look at the “whole” you. They only take into account your academic background. Maybe that day was not your day for testing; you were a little off. You are intelligent and highly capable of becoming whatever you want in life. Don’t let these “test scores” make you feel incapable of accomplishing the goals you have set for yourself. Your destiny is in your hands.

by Blair Jeffers

Madison, I would like you to rethink your ambivalent thoughts concerning your IQ score and low college admissions test score. Some people are not great at taking tests under pressure. Thus, achievement tests do not always depict your ability to work hard and get respectable grades in college. Madison, we have been friends for a long time and I know that you are not the best at taking tests under pressure, but you are the best at being a friend. I hope you would say the same about me because I think honesty will lead us in the right direction.

by Christopher Roberts

Hey, I heard about your test score and I’m sorry you didn’t do as well as you hoped. You shouldn’t get discouraged though because your grades and work ethic show that you are so much more. One test does not measure anything about a person. You know deep down that you are a more intelligent person than what the test score says you are. After everything you have done to get where you are and the bright future you have ahead of you just shows that you are meant to be something special in life, so never give up.

by Carolyn Elerding

Madison,
Testing is an acquired skill for a lot of people. There are things you can learn to do to overcome the effects of nervousness or lack of focus. Have you thought of taking a class on this subject, or finding a tutor? Then, you can retake the tests.
You can’t let a test score get you down. Everyone knows that you have everything going for you, and they know better than an automated testing facility! I am sure you will find a way to get your scores to match your skills.
Your friend,
Me

by Lauren Apicella

Madison, you definitely should not be so discouraged by this test. You know you are a good student and you get good grades, so a test should not discourage you. You cannot measure a person’s intelligence with a test. These tests for college are just to place you in classes and nothing else. I know you a very smart and maybe you were just nervous, I definitely think you should try taking it again. Just be calm and remember it’s not a big deal. No one can tell you how smart you are because you already know.

by Vontilla Steven

Madison, there is no need to worry about a low IQ score. You have unlimited potential and have a bright future ahead of you. Dedicate yourself to your passions and you will be surprised by how quickly you excel. You will enroll in college and start to use the qualities you have developed in high school to aid you. You will be taking interesting classes and meet interesting people who will tell you different from what these tests say. Stay focused on your goal and don’t let this get you down.

by Dawn Hundley

Dear Madison,
Lately,you have been doubting yourself and your intelligence due to your scores on the IQ and college admissions tests.Your scores do not reflect your true intelligence. I implore you to retake the tests. You now know what to expect from the tests and you should reevaluate how you studied previously. I have the utmost confidence in your intellectual abilities and I know if you retake the tests you will achieve higher scores.

by Anastasia Vaughn

I first remind Madison of all the achievements she has made. Then go on to explain to her one simple test can not determine how smart you actually are. Not one person is skilled in everything; there are times when one fails at one thing only to succeed another. People can be smart in different ways. Look at autistic people, who have a hard time communicating and doing the normal everyday things that we find quite simple; yet most of them are prodigies and can do extraordinaries things one can only wish to be able to do. Another example is Albert Einstein. When we think of genius, he is probably the first person that pops in our head. Did you know though that he failed most of his classes in school and even failed his entrance exam into a technical college he planned on attending. It is okay to do bad in some things, but as long as you know you can succeed in another you are on the right track. As long as you put your mind to it, you can achieve anything.

by Shari Forrest

Everyone has a hard time once and a while. You must remember that you have always succeeded in whatever you have put your mind to in the past. Take this score as a learning experience, and realize that perfection is impossible, but leaves room to grow and get better. One bad test does not say anything about your intelligence. You will do great at anything you put your mind to.

by Jessica Hubbard

Hey Madison!
You have a big year ahead of you! Choosing a college, possibly moving, meeting new friends, and making some very big life decisions. I greatly encourage you not to get discouraged about your test scores. You are an amazingly smart person and several aspects of your life reflect that. Though test scores unfortunately are important for college admission, even the board admitting you knows that intelligence is not accurately meseared by a standardized test. A lot of times these tests measure test-taking abilities instead of the knowledge inside your head. Colleges look for all-around students not just the brains that are glued to the books. Your great personality and achievements in every other area of your life will definitely shine through. So go for it girl, don’t let your confidence or ambition be hidden, let it shine through. Whether it be in your essays or in interviews, let them know what you are capable of and don’t let the test score limit or label you. Let me know if there’s anything I can do to help out. I’m here to talk anytime!
Your friend,
Jessica

by Agnieszka Kolodziej

A test score does not determine how intelligent you are. A test score simply gives schools and society an objective way to compare similar resumes of applicants. Anyone, including you, can look at your grades and writing sample and immediately know that you are a very intelligent girl. Schools know this, which is why they look at numerous attributes besides your test score. You are your own harshest critic, and you will find that others won’t judge you by a test but rather by your strong ambition and obvious intelligence. Don’t let a test score define you. Let your past and your choices define who you are.

by Megan Starrett

Dear Madison,

I know that test are not your strong point. I do not know why colleges make us take test to prove that we can get through school. If colleges would just look at how we perform in college and not on test then maybe everything will be okay. Grades in college are what gets people to graduate, a test is just a test and once you pass it, it really has nothing to do with whether you are smart or not. Just remember that you need to hold your head up high and do the best you can on the test and I know as well as you do that you can achieve high grades in college.

by Nicole Mosier

There is more to learning than taking tests. Don’t limit yourself to A & B answers. The most valuable thing you will learn in college is who you are and what you can achieve. The lessons you learn will far outweigh what even the best teacher could teach you. What if everyone had given up because they failed a time or two? We would have no light bulb, no E=MC squared, just to name a few. Look beyond what is in front of you and create your own path. There are no limits on learning.

by Sarah Johannes

Dear Madison, You are one of the smartest people I know, you have so much going for you! College admission scores are only one way to measure your intelligence. Also, an IQ score does not take into consideration all of your other strengths. Some people just do not test well; it never means that they cannot succeed in life. Just keep working hard and you will see that everything will work out fine. Every single person is bound to come across a challenge, which is what makes him or her a better person, hang in there!

by Amanda Innes

It would be unfair to let a test stand between you and future success when you already have such a long-standing record of success behind you. Your past performance already demonstrates that you have a tremendous amount of academic ability. Maybe you were anxious those days, or maybe you had other things on your mind. Whatever the reason, you have more than proved your capability to everyone around you with your reliable performance and strong drive. So keep up the hard work and prove to yourself and everyone else that you have what it takes to be successful.

by Teresa Morgan

Madison, You were telling me about your test scores the other day. If I know you like I think I do, you are probably discouraged. Don’t let a few tests scores keep you from being all you can be. You are bright and ambitious. You have alot of potential. Please don’t let these scores determine your future. God determines your future. He knows what you can and cannot do. He knows the direction He would have you go. These tests were man-made and cannot accurately decide what kind of person you are or who you will become. You can choose to listen to the God who predestined you and wants you to succeed. These tests compare you with all mankind. You cannot compare. God has made you special. Has given you special gifts and qualities. Tests are not a sure, accurate way of determining your future or the things you will be able to accomplish. You make the choice. Keep dreaming and keep pursuing the things that God would have you one step at a time. If you don’t get into the college you wanted to, don’t take it to heart. Just keep trying to pursue going to college; whether it’s this one or not. There’s so much to learn out in the real world. You will never stop learning. Don’t give up though. Don’t doubt who God has created you to be. You may not be the valedictorian of your class or the top of your college class. You are who God created you to be. So keep trying to do your best.

by Amila Custovic

Dear Madison, everyone has a bad day. Do not give up just because you have not done well on your test. School does include tests, but that is not the only purpose of schools. Being a student is about learning and preparing yourself for the future, with the help of instructors of course. In life, you will have many challenges that you will overcome. Without challenges and complications, our existence would be boring. Please continue to do your best. Take the admission test again, and I am confident that you will do much, much better.

Best wishes,

Amila

by Janis Lo

Hey Madison,
I know that you’ve been pretty bummed about your IQ and SAT scores but don’t worry about it at all! First off, they’re standardized tests, which show how good of a test-taker you are and not what you really know for the most part. You’re one of the smartest people I know and colleges will accepted you regardless of those scores, just show them how well you shine even with flaws. Just don’t feel defeated, you can always take them again and I’ll help you study if you want. We’ll make it fun ok? We’ll show those tests who’s boss! Feel better ok…
Lots of Love,
Janis

by Sheena Hampton

Those tests do not prove a thing,I think they are designed to make you feel dumb. But do not give up because you are smart and ambitious.You can go to any college that you want and get scholarships to help pay for college. So don’t worry about those scores colleges look at many things besides test scores.Keep your head and look to the future with confidence that you will get into the school of your choice.

by Leah Panton

Colleges like to look at the overall package, so to speak, of the applicants to their institution. High admission scores are nice, but they are not the only qualifying factors for getting into a good university, and colleges do not look at IQ scores. Madison has high grades which counts for much, and if she performed any extra-curricular activities that would also look good on an application. Additionally, Madison’s writing skills will come in useful when writing the college application essay. Madison has a lot going for her and should not be discouraged. She fills the whole package out nicely.

by Stevie Barnett

I would tell Madison that the standardized tests aren’t an accurate depiction of true intellect. The tests were designed a long time ago and actually many schools don’t even look at the scores any more. I would encourage Madison to continue to achieve the high marks that they have been throughout their high school career because it is still important to do well. I would suggest calling admissions and make an appointment with the admissions counselor, they would be impressed by the initiative taken and it would give the school another chance to look at Madison’s accomplishments.

by Tarsha Wright

Dear Madison, you are a very intelligent and ambitious person, don’t ever forget that! Look at all you’ve done in the past and know there’s more to who you are than just test scores. Colleges don’t concentrate on one aspect they look at the overall picture. You need to restore the confidence I’ve always known you to have or you’ll become trapped in you’r own feelings of not being good enough. Everybody has off days, the trick is not letting them get you down, shrug it off.

by Christina Bautista

If I was a good friend, I would be totally honest and supportive for Madison. I would tell her that just because the test scores are low, doesn’t mean she is not a bright, smart or intelligent girl. I would also explain to her that some people do have trouble taking tests, but that doesn’t mean that they are not capable of doing anything. I would also help her understand that there are many people in the world who are smart, but they too have problems with taking tests. I would encourage her to have someone help her with taking tests, and then study and take the test again. Also keep your head up, because as long as you think you are smart and bright, then nothing should stand in the way of your dreams. Think positive about everything and you will get through any obstacle that life puts in front of you.

Christina Bautista

by Julie O’Leary

Madison, I have to share some important information with you. I know that you are feeling discouraged about your scores, but you need to know that you are so much more than numbers. You are a bright, motivated indvidual and you are capable of greatness. You have what it takes to achieve your dreams- the inner drive and strength you have shown to me will help to get you through the tough times. You have been an inspiration to many people throughout your life and I know that you will continue to blossom and reach every goal that you aspire for. Live the dream!!

by Karen Apodaca

I don’t believe test scores give a clear picture of one’s intelligence level. I would encourage Madison by saying this to him/her. People can get nervous, tired, or stressed out so much that they do poorly on a test. I would also tell Madison to pray before a test. I currently pray before I take a test and I do better on those tests than ones I have taken without praying first. I would also tell Madison that God loves him/her and will be glad to help him/her anytime.

by Amber Schauf

I received your email today about your test scores and was surprised at how you did. But what shocked more me is the way you’re handling them. You are an extremely intelligent woman who is capable of accomplishing anything that you set your mind to. So you did poorly on your first attempt. So what? Try again! The good thing is that now you know what to expect on these tests and what to study for. Do not let one bad score determine the rest of your life; you must realize that NO TEST can determine a person’s true potential.

by Justin Servey

Madison, I know how you feel when you get a low test score on something that really matters to you. For example I got really nervous on my biology test last week and just forgot everything, even when I know what the answers were. Tests only show numbers on what reality is, we both know that you are smarter then that test. Just keep smiling and I know that the next time you take the test you will do well.

Yours truly,
Justin Servey

by Patricia Buttke

Hey Maddy,
While we both know that there is a lot of pressure on entrance exams, I think it is important to remember that this is merely one brief and flawed method used to evaluate intelligence.
I know that you could still become the first female president if you refuse to give into the notion that you are only as capable as your exam scores reflect you to be. You and I both know what you are truly capable of. Don’t let a two-hour exam negate all the time and effort you have devoted to studying.
Believe in yourself!

by Amy Crawford

Madison,
I know you are discouraged right now, but you are an intelligent and ambitious person that does their very best in all they do. Just because some score on a test that someone else made up said that you aren’t the best you know that isn’t true. You know that as long as you do your best and put your all into what you do you can accomplish anything you put your mind to. I know you and I know what you are capable of, please don’t hinder yourself from becoming someone great just because of a test that no one will care about in a couple of years.

by Lanitra Butler

HI Madison,
It is going to be okay. You are a very brilliant young lady and maybe you were just too nervous doing the tests. An IQ test can’t measure how smart you are, and so what you have a low college admissions test score wait, study a little more and retake it. It is not the end of the world. Just the beginning of a hard road ahead that you can conquer as long as you believe in yourself. I believe in you!!

by Kristina Shinn

Madison~ Try not to get discouraged. Consider this to be a slight bump in the road, something that we all have to face in life. The best thing to do is to just move on and seriously consider all of your options. Why not try a community college for two years. No matter what you decide to do, I’ll stand by you. I know that you can do anything you put your heart into. You just need to believe in yourself. You can do anything!

by Ariana Blossom

Test scores are not necessarily indicative of your intelligence, or your ability to do well in school. What it can mean is that you may have test anxiety, which affects your concentration and ability to draw on your long-term memory.
This setback is an opportunity to prove to yourself that you are capable of moving beyond a momentary disappointment to acheive outstanding grades, and greater accomplishments in life. Once you begin college, there will be lots of resources to draw upon if you need help with test taking or any other challenge that comes to you. Do not allow a score, whether high or low, determine who you are or what you are capable of.

by Jessica Firkus

I would tell Madison:
“I know you’re smart and you know that you’re smart.” “You probably just had a bad day.” “I have been in your shoes many times and believe me I know what you’re going through.” “These tests have no effect on what a great person and friend you are!!”

by Yola Bayram

Madison,

I know you are smart, your grades have always been high, you write great papers, and we’ve had some great conversations. Don’t let two low test scores determine that the rest of your life is a failure. You may have been tired, nervous, not prepared, etc. In the past you’ve done nothing but succeed. This is just a slump you’ve gotten into and now it’s a challenge to get yourself out. Imagine taking the exams again and getting a fantastic grade, how great and accomplished would you feel? Remember that whatever doesn’t kill you only makes you a stronger person inside. Good Luck!

by Kimberly Groebner

Tests are just really something we do to show others that in certain standardized environments we can exhibit our knowledge. Tests, like anything else, aren’t something that you can just be good at. It’s something that you have to practice and study for. Most of the material that is in those tests you’ve already learned through years of schooling. But the real test is how well you can remember and apply all that information. A low test score doesn’t mean that you’re dumb or that you’re average. It just means that you need to prepare for that test in a way that’s effective and different. The more creative you get with your studying skills the better you’ll do. Don’t look at one bad test score and think of it as a defeat. Use it to challenge yourself and show that one test score doesn’t define the value of yourself as a well-rounded and intelligent person.

by Mugagga Karemire Mukuve

Hey Madison I heard about your scores. Don’t let those scores fool you because you and I both know that you are far better than what those scores showed. I mean you just need to take a look at how you have been performing and you’ll see. If you lose morale now, that means you are denying yourself the truth of who you really are and what your true potential is. Madison, I know you and I know you have got what it takes. Don’t deceive yourself by giving up. So come on success is allied to the brave. Besides, falling does not make you a failure,staying down does.

by Heather Hesse

Madison
I heard what happened with your scores and was worried about you. I understand that you wanted a real high score to prove something to yourself. The IQ score is just one part of how smart you are. It is what you do with yourself that makes you truly intelligent. You have always been a good student and done well otherwise so dont let this break your stride. We all go through setbacks and look at this as a calling in the right direction. Keep trying things until you find your niche.
Heather

by Joy Uyeno

Dear Madison,

They say that life is full of trials and tribulations, and this is true. But this doesn’t mean that life consists of examinations, because the most valuable lessons in life cannot be tested by a standardized test. Marks on an answer sheet will never illustrate the fact that you can confidently explain your views without ruling out other possibilities. That openness to life is what will make you a successful person. You do not need good luck (or even high scores on a test) to go far in life – the tools you need are ones you already possess.