Want more recommendations for your family?
Sign up for our weekly newsletter for entertainment inspiration
The Test and the Art of Thinking
By Andrea Beach,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Standardized test docu shows problems, offers no solutions.
A Lot or a Little?
What you will—and won't—find in this movie.
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Test and the Art of Thinking
Community Reviews
There aren't any parent reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.
What's the Story?
THE TEST AND THE ART OF THINKING points out that despite plenty of evidence that the SAT and ACT don't measure what kids learn in school, don't help improve learning or academic achievement, and don't provide meaningful information to college admissions offices, the number of students taking these tests is on the rise. It points out some of the inequalities in the system, concentrating mainly on the advantages of wealth and disadvantages to low-income students. It also emphasizes the need to learn the right strategies for the best scores instead of needing to master any sort of language, math, or science knowledge.
Is It Any Good?
This is a well-meaning, one-sided documentary that doesn't try to do anything beyond open people's eyes to the pitfalls and drawbacks of the SAT and ACT college admissions tests. And because The Test and the Art of Thinking doesn't offer any solutions or calls to action, viewers may be left feeling saddened and frustrated by the whole business. It's a thorough, and for many eye-opening, look at the differences between what's learned in school and what's on these tests, and at the tests themselves as tools for college admissions and scholarships.
It's also a really good opportunity to talk to your high schoolers about whether and why to take the SAT or the ACT, what exactly is being tested (knowledge, skill, intelligence, etc.?), what opportunities are available if they do well, what they might lose by not taking them, and how they can get the scores they need to achieve their goals.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the viewpoint of The Test and the Art of Thinking. Should documentaries present balanced views of an issue, or is it OK for them to take a strong stance one way or the other?
Did any information in the movie surprise you? Did you learn anything new about the SAT and ACT tests? Did it change how you feel or what you think about them?
What's your experience with the SAT and the ACT? Have you studied or taken the tests yet? Do the experiences of the students, parents, and others seem realistic?
Movie Details
- In theaters: March 16, 2018
- On DVD or streaming: November 17, 2020
- Director: Michael Arlen Davis
- Studio: Abramorama
- Genre: Documentary
- Topics: High School
- Run time: 85 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: June 20, 2023
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
Where to Watch
Our Editors Recommend
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate