Ability to Benefit test

Question

is that the same as the assessment test? I need it for Financial Aid since I don't have a Diploma or GED. I did a Assessment test and I am not enrolled in a class. I need these requirements to be approved for Financial aid. My tax paper from last year , proof of income and this test. What is it? (Ability to Benefit test)

Answer 1

The Ability to Benefit Test is not a real test.  It is an abstract notion used to justify one's admission into community colleges such as are found in California.  You can be admitted to community colleges in California if you are 18 years old and have the ability to benefit from college.  You do not need a diploma or GED.  Your grade do not matter.  This has resulted in large volumes of youth taking advantage of an almost-free college experience.  However, one third have not been prepared to function at the college level.  Thus, colleges have used the notion of an "Ability to Benefit test" as a means of telling would-be applicants, including those with disabilities or undesirable behaviors that college is not for them.  This runs contrary to the historical legacy of community colleges and the civil rights movement in providing equal access for all.  Do not let anyone deny you or anyone else admission based on such prejudicial bigotry.  Of course, anyone interested in attending college, by definition, automatically passes the ability to benefit test.  Also, public colleges are prohibited, by federal law to allow even students with severe mental retardation or behavioral disorders from participating in campus activities.