Why do we take test?

Sure, the normal answer to this question would be "to evaluate students and see what they know." But are we really seeing what we know or how much can we cram in the night before. I know, for me at least, there isn't enough time, and who studies more then the night before an exam, come on. lol. I feel like if I study for hours the night before and do well on the exam, I've accomplished my goal. But have I really? 2 weeks from now am I gonna know what i was tested on, probably not.

Don't even get me started on grades, probably the dumbest idea ever. What's the least I have to do to get a good grade? What do I have to do to get an "A?" These things are so dumb but a lot of kids are only concerned with getting the good grades, not so much the learning aspect. These things have gone through my mind and I'm sure you have thought about them too. There is no such thing as taking a course to learn about something you really have a passion even if it's going to be more difficult because you will take the easy course instead...