The SAT, a standardized test used for college admissions in the United States, has undergone significant changes since its inception. Originally developed by Carl Brigham and first administered in 1926, the SAT was introduced as a supplement to the College Board essay exams. Over the years, the test has evolved in content, scoring, and format, reflecting shifts in educational priorities and societal needs.
Origins and Early Changes
The SAT was born out of a need to predict
success in higher education by identifying candidates based on intellectual promise rather than specific accomplishments in high school subjects. Initially, the test included sections on definitions, arithmetic, classification, and logical inference, among others. The first administration saw 8,000 students taking the test, which was paced quickly with 97 minutes to answer 315 questions.
In the late 1920s, the SAT underwent its first major change when math sections were removed, leaving only verbal sections. This decision was based on the belief that math measured a different component of intelligence. However, by 1930, the test was split into verbal and math sections again, a structure that continued until 2005.
Mid-20th Century Adjustments
The SAT scores were standardized in the early 1940s, allowing for cross-year comparisons. This change was crucial as it provided a consistent measure of student ability over time. The test's format continued to evolve, with paragraph reading replaced by reading comprehension in 1946, and sentence completions introduced.
During the 1960s and 1970s, SAT scores declined, prompting studies to understand the reasons behind this trend. It was found that demographic changes in the test-taking population explained much of the decline. In response, the College Board considered changes to the testing program, leading to the renaming of the SAT in 1993 to reflect its role as an assessment test rather than an aptitude test.
Recent Developments
In 1994, the SAT underwent substantial changes, including the removal of antonyms and the introduction of passage-based reading material. The math section was expanded to include more advanced topics, and calculators were permitted. The test was recentered in 1995 to return average scores closer to 500.
The most recent redesign in 2016 emphasized evidence-based reading and writing, removed penalties for wrong answers, and returned the highest score to 1600. These changes aimed to better align the SAT with high school curricula and college readiness.
The SAT's evolution reflects broader educational trends and the ongoing debate about the best ways to assess student potential. As the test continues to adapt, it remains a central component of the college admissions process in the United States.
