<p>I was wondering this because I know some people who can’t get past a 2000 or a 2100 despite 1-2 years worth of private SAT tutors and prep courses, but there are a few people in my school who intensively studied for the SAT only for a few months and came out with a 2250+. </p>
<p>This being said, these students who scored highly with relatively little studying are all also currently in the top 25% of my junior year, while most of those who can’t get past the 2000 or 2100 barrier aren’t mentioned in the rank. (My school releases list of students of whoever is in the top 25% of the class, GPA-wise).</p>
<p>That being said, Ive come to believe the SAT is a good way to measure one’s aptitude and ability to absorb/learn things quickly. What about you guys?</p>
<p>It is certainly an aptitude test (except the vocabulary section) if a student takes the test “cold” (i.e. no prep) as I did. However, after seeing how much people are able to improve their scores through practice, tutors, test books, and retaking the test, it does not seem that final scores are an accurate indicator of a test taker’s aptitude. Students study how to take the test, and consequently become better at taking that particular test. Does that higher score they receive mean that they have increased their aptitude? No.</p>
<p>Of course, in response to your examples, every student has their limits, but I doubt that the students who went through the SAT training that you talked about (tutors and prep courses) did not improve their scores over that time. </p>
<p>So, I believe it is an aptitude test, but the system through which the SAT is administered allows students to falsely inflate their scores by becoming better at taking the test. (Of course, all of these points could be applied to the ACT as well)</p>
<p>It’s not an aptitude test for a few reasons.
First, you have to factor in the various methods people use to study for the SAT. Some will work, and others won’t. I knew a girl who was studying for the SAT since her freshman year. Then she took it twice during her junior year and barely got above 2000. When she took it in the fall of her senior year, she managed to pull out a 2340. For her, the solution was a different kind of SAT class and different prep books. Certain study methods may lead to gradual or rapid improvement.</p>
<p>Second, I’ve seen many kids outside the top 10% of my grade get 2000+ and kids in the top 10% get below 2000. In my opinion, I’m not that smart and was surprised with my SAT score. Kids with 4.0 gpa’s are just as likely to get 2000+ as kids with 3.0 gpa’s. </p>
<p>Third and final, this test can be studied for. There are tricks that you can learn to use when writing your essay that will increase your essay score. Math requires studying formulas, writing is also about studying grammar structures. Though people can study vocab, I understand that critical reading is harder to study for since it really depends on how well and often you’ve read during your whole life. However with all the tips, tricks, and prep courses, it’s hard to say that this test is truly an aptitude test. </p>