History and Evolution Of The SAT

The SAT has always reflected the culture of the times. Up until the 1990s the letters “SAT” referred to:

Scholastic Aptitude Test.

Note the emphasis on the word “aptitude”. “Aptitude” suggests a limitation on what one can achieve.

When the word “aptitude” became “politically incorrect”, the letters “SAT” where changed to stand for:

Scholastic Assessment Test.

Note the emphasis on the word “assessment”. “Assessment” suggests that the test is a measure of present ability. One, can of course, always improve.

Although the SAT has been part of the academic world for many years, it has not always had an “easy relationship” with all schools. In 2001 one major university questioned reliance on the SAT based on the following concern:

“Anyone involved in education should be concerned about how overemphasis on the SAT is distorting educational priorities and practices, how the test is perceived by many as unfair, and how it can have a devastating impact on the self-esteem and aspirations of young students. There is widespread agreement that overemphasis on the SAT harms American education.”

As a result, in 2005, the College Board introduced the current:

SAT Reasoning Test.

Note the emphasis on the word “reasoning”.