Loading...The SAT is definitely the most well known of all standardized tests, and that’s because it is one of the most important. Given in over 175 countries, your score on the SAT is a big part of what gets you into which college. Getting into college is a big part of many people’s lives, and so you can see why getting a good score on the SAT’s is so important. Thought to be a test of one’s intelligence, the SAT is widely known to be a big determiner to see if you are, well, smart or not.
But, as discussed in the great video by PBS Idea Channel, is that really what the SAT tests? Is it true that taking the SAT will give you an accurate numerical rating of your intelligence, or is there more to it? After going into the history of the SAT, which alone is surprising, Mike then goes into many fascinating arguments on why the SAT is a bad indicator of smartness, such as the demographic targeted in expected knowledge, the monetary consequences, and much more.
Take away from this: the SAT isn’t necessarily a great indicator of mental capacity. Don’t act like the world is ending if you get a bad score. But, you know, still try to get a good score. Just don’t kill yourself over it.