How does this African instrument relate to similar instruments in the United States?

The banjo is a stringed instrument with a thin membrane stretched over a frame or cavity to form a resonator. ... Early forms of the instrument were fashioned by African-Americans in the United States, adapted from African instruments of similar design.

with such great emphasis put on the act and sat exams—the studying, the review sessions, taking the test, retaking the test, scholarships dependent on scores, etc.—many think the scores are the be all end all of college applications. if you have a high score, you can get into any college you want. if you have a low score, you’re doomed.