<p>I've seen many arguments on this site debating whether the SAT is a good indicator of 'intelligence,' or just proof that you are good taking the SAT. Along with these arguments comes a slew of statistics related to college grades, 'success', etc...</p>
<p>The fact remains, however, that many colleges still use SAT scores as an indicator of something, whether it be intelligence or whatever, despite the fact that some people are able to devote lots of time and money to preparing for the test while others simply can't.</p>
<p>So, here is my question. If it were possible to get rid of all SAT prep, do you think it would accurately predict intelligence or being able to do well in college? (For the sake of reducing pointless arguments, let's define intelligence as being able to learn a common school subject (like math or reading) more thoroughly and quickly than someone who scores lower - I understand that people can be better in one subject than another). For the sake of this question, assume that test takers don't have test taking problems, and that they will apply themselves, regardless of their scores.</p>
<p>Personally, I think it would be at least somewhat better at predicting someone's academic ability or intelligence, but I understand that it is pretty much impossible to create a nationwide test, and then expect people not to prepare for it.</p>
<p>I personally believe that BOTH the SAT and ACT are flawed to their cores. But I do have to admit that they have to exist because of grade inflation/deflation, etc…</p>
<p>Sure, eliminating all test prep programs would level the playing field, but some people would still be able to innately score higher on the SAT than others, just simply because of their ability to think through the questions and find the right answer (this is especially true for the CR section).</p>
<p>I think what standardized tests are suppose to measure is the test-taker’s intelligence and willingness/ability to study. No one expects you to NOT study in college. In fact, you should study even more. Thus, I do believe these tests are good indicators of success in college.</p>
<p>As for those who can’t prepare because of financial issues, they are generally given special consideration. Whether this is enough or fair is debatable.</p>
<p>I would think being willing to study for something kind of abstract like SAT is itself a sign of future college success. Showing a willingness to study something unlike any other test you’ve taken before and put in the effort would be a good sign for college studying habits.</p>
<p>The SAT measures how well you can do on the SAT. Nothing more, nothing less. There are many factors which can contribute to getting a high SAT score. Here are a few that come to mind:</p>
<p>(1) intelligence (IQ)
(2) knowing SAT specific strategies
(3) practicing SAT problems
(4) mathematical maturity
(5) natural talent for standardized tests
(6) understanding the way the test is created
(7) self confidence
(8) endurance</p>
<p>So although students with a high IQ might have a small advantage, this is only one of the determining factors for a high SAT score. An AP calculus student might do better in SAT math without preparation because of their higher level of mathematical maturity (this is something they developed by struggling through harder math classes). Most factors that contribute to a high SAT score are well within the control of the student.</p>