I think they are used in appropriate circumstances, but too much emphasis on these types of tests can be a serious problem. Like other statistics, schools manipulate test scores for recruiting purposes. For example, a local school boasts a national academic ranking in the top 15%. Upon further examination, I discovered that the eighth grader scored in the 85th percentile in one subject. While scores were also impressive in other subjects, the others were lower. If the results are used correctly, standardized tests can provide valuable information; if the results are distorted or manipulated, they can be