You know, when I was a kid in the early 1960's

[Hestia]

54. Do you remember taking the tests? I do - in the 7th grade, they had us to go the cafeteria

and we took these tests where you fill in the answer bubble. One I particularly remember is finish the sequence of sets of ovals. I only found out when I was like 26-30 what those tests were. I remember that I guess were grad students handing out the tests and watching over us. So boooorring...

I guess "they" were trying to copy Finland (best schools in the world), where you take tests in 8th grade where you are tested on aptitude and the best job skills according to your ability and the rest of your middle & high school education is steered in that direction. Not everyone goes to paid for college based on the test results. I don't think there is really any way to move up from tech school to college level. The tests are supposed to be more egalitarian, in that, the results have nothing to do with who your parents are or how much they make unless they want to pay for private college.