<p>The SAT used to be considered a measure of intelligence, but I don’t think that’s been true for 10-20 years now. You can check out mensa’s requirements for admission if you’re curious; I’m pretty sure the SAT is no longer considered valid for “IQ purposes” (since the writing section was added maybe?).
So you actually CAN be smart and not do well on this particular test…and not because you’re a “bad test taker.” I know of more than one person (I taught not long ago) who did well on certain types of standardized tests…often without much preparation…but still performed marginally on the SAT (or the GRE for graduate-level students).
Not in every case, but frequently, the individuals showed a significant difference between their math and verbal scores…on the lines of 200 points, in many cases. And this was not happening as a fluke on one test or improving with significant study. No matter how well they prepared (and keep in mind that these were hard working students who got good grades and tested well elsewhere), this gap didn’t close much…if any. That’s because there are some who have math and reading processing issues and have a very difficult time when faced with these subjects in the SAT format. In school, they may use coping strategies (including taking 3 hrs to finish that “simple” math assignment), and the issues often go undiagnosed…period. It still doesn’t make them any less intelligent.
Just because you don’t do well on the test, though, doesn’t mean you should assume that this is your concern. What I am saying is that there are “a few” who consistently only score between 1800 and 2000…because they made that 500 V or M they were praying for…but also maxed the other one (or nearly did). Again, it doesn’t mean they’re “less smart” than the 2250-2400 group; they are just dealing with challenges that I’m hoping the latter never has to face.</p>