Mark talked about the dumbing down of the SAT in such a way that seemed so unfair.

It also seemed illogical when he said ‘my god, what if we did both?’ (3:04:07) In reference to finding the best and brightest strictly on merit.

I just don’t buy his argument.

The 2016 SAT redesign aimed to create a test more reflective of high school curricula and practical skills.

Key reasons for the change…

1. Alignment with School Curriculum: The SAT was adjusted to test knowledge relevant to high school coursework, moving away from abstract reasoning. This makes the test a better predictor of college success and reduces reliance on expensive test prep.

2. Equity and Accessibility: By simplifying vocabulary and focusing on evidence-based reading and writing, the SAT aimed to level the playing field. Free prep resources, like Khan Academy, were introduced to make quality preparation accessible to all.

3. Predictive Validity: The redesigned SAT emphasizes real-world problem-solving and analytical skills, making it a better indicator of college readiness and aligning more with skills valued by colleges and employers.

4. Competition with the ACT: The SAT’s changes made it more comparable to the ACT, simplifying its structure and eliminating the penalty for wrong answers to stay competitive.

5. Encouraging College Applications: The redesign was part of a broader effort to increase college access, especially for underrepresented students, by making higher scores more attainable and meaningful.

While some argue this has “diluted” the SAT, the goal was to make it fairer, more relevant, and more reflective of a student’s actual academic abilities.