How To Pick the Perfect Puppy: Is There a "Pop-test" for Students?

I love dogs. Well, I love good dogs – ones that are good defenders but not aggressive. They like to play, but know when it’s time to relax. Oh. And one that doesn’t tell a burglar where all the good stuff is in the house for the price of a pat and a scratch!

So how do you pick the perfect puppy? I have had good luck with my own K9 SAT, also known as the “Pop-test.” Take a brown paper sack, fill it with air and close the opening with your fist, then smack it down into the palm of your hand to make a huge popping noise.

The results are usually that the puppy that passes out won’t hold up to the rigors of yard patrol, visitors and the occasional dropped dish. Ones that bite the bag (and the hand holding it) are predictably unpredictable -- better to stay clear of those. Ones that don’t notice could be deaf or too much of a slug. But the ones that jump up inquisitively and want to check it out are the kinds of pups that can make good dogs.

Is there a “Pop-test” for children? What about high-stakes tests like the SAT? Is this a Pop-test that can accurately determine which college should accept a student? In many parts of the world, high stakes tests determine completely where a child can go to school . If there are 351 openings in the class and you scored 349th, you’re in! If you scored 352nd from the top on the test, you’re out of luck.

In the US however, college admission is more complex. Many colleges take into consideration high SAT scores, exemplary grades, letters of reference, athletics, community service and special circumstances. With all those factors, it’s hard to imagine how a school can make the best overall choices regarding incoming students.

Seniors in high school may be surprised (and a bit concerned) to see the lines on college applications requesting information on activities, groups, volunteerism, sports, etc. It would be too late do a project, recast grades for the last few years or try out for the football team at this point.

About the only thing the student can likely improve is his or her SAT or ACT test. Students may think “I’ve been through high school so I’m naturally ready for the SAT.” Wrong. Or, “You can’t prepare for a test like that.” Wrong again.

Knowing even just a few things about these tests can help students better their scores. And regardless of the debate over the fairness of such tests, a better score can only help.

I read a recent article in Money magazine that chided parents for spending money on SAT and ACT prep courses, college application counseling and other services. But if you’re a puppy in the basket, do you want to run the wrong way or do the wrong thing when you get the Pop-test? It's best to figure out how to improve your chances of getting picked to be in a good home.

POP!

I welcome your thoughts and feedback.

John Stuppy, john@tutorvista.com