Mail in tests

Mail-in tests! Those were a thing of the past, but still a nostalgic reminder of a bygone era. For those who may not know, mail-in tests were a type of standardized test that was administered by mail, typically for educational or professional purposes. Here's a brief rundown:

What were mail-in tests?

Mail-in tests were standardized tests that were designed to assess a person's knowledge, skills, or abilities in a particular subject or field. They were usually administered by mail, where the test-taker would receive a test booklet or packet in the mail, complete the test, and then return it to the testing organization by mail.

How did they work?

Here's a general overview of the process:

  1. Registration: Test-takers would register for the test by mail, phone, or online, providing their personal and contact information.
  2. Test packet: The testing organization would send a test packet to the test-taker, which typically included the test booklet, answer sheet, and any necessary instructions.
  3. Test completion: The test-taker would complete the test, usually within a specified time frame (e.g., 2-3 hours).
  4. Return by mail: The test-taker would return the completed test packet to the testing organization by mail.
  5. Scoring: The testing organization would score the test, usually by hand or using a scoring machine.
  6. Results: The test-taker would receive their test results, which might include a score, feedback, or recommendations for improvement.

Examples of mail-in tests

Some examples of mail-in tests include:

  1. SAT and ACT: In the past, these college entrance exams were administered by mail, although they are now typically taken in-person at testing centers.
  2. Professional certifications: Many professional certifications, such as the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam, were administered by mail.
  3. Educational assessments: Mail-in tests were also used for educational assessments, such as the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills (ITBS) and the Stanford Achievement Test (SAT).

The rise and fall of mail-in tests

Mail-in tests were popular in the mid-20th century, but their use declined with the advent of computer-based testing and online testing platforms. Today, most standardized tests are administered in-person at testing centers or online.

While mail-in tests may be a thing of the past, they played an important role in assessing knowledge and skills in various fields.