The debate on the use and purpose of standardized testing continues in our schools and universities. Nobody appears to know whether these tests are a useful educational tool or not or whether they just measure the ability to take a standardized test. By international standards our High School seniors slip behind their counterparts in developed countries. American students have to play catch-up so it takes them four years to complete an undergraduate degree rather than the customary three as in overseas universities. It is said that the standards required for a BA in the UK are the equivalent on an MA in the US. To fix this problem American universities need to require higher academic standards from High School students across the board. Rather than use standardized testing, a system, closer to the European would be to admit students on the basis of their performance in Advanced Placement Examinations. Doing so would mean High School students would be far better prepared for college and have to study far harder during their Senior Year where they would discover whether they were ready for college. This would in the end save a great deal of time and money.