State standardized testing has always been a big waste of time for students; it is only for grading the school after all. As for the SAT I consider it one of the neccessary boredoms to get into college. My marks on standarized tests have been very strong all around, usually 90th+ percentile. I got 760 on (new)SAT math, but my writing score left a lot to be desired. Luckily many colleges are not taking into account or lessening the effect that a bad SAT I writing section will have your overall admittance