The SAT has changed since it debuted 100 years ago – but questions remain about its relevance

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Published: 2026-09-22T13:31:02.726Z • Permanent link

David Coleman, the President of the College Board, has faced intense scrutiny over the SAT's effectiveness in measuring student success. Critics argue that the test disproportionately favors affluent students, raising questions about its validity as a predictor of college readiness. A recent report by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that wealthier students tend to score higher on the SAT, with an average score of 1528 compared to 1036 for low-income students. This disparity has sparked debate about the test's relevance, particularly in the context of growing concerns about student debt and unequal access to higher education.

In 2016, the College Board introduced the SAT Subject Tests, which aimed to provide a more nuanced assessment of students' knowledge in specific subjects. However, these tests have been criticized for being overly expensive and inaccessible to many students. The College Board has defended the tests, citing their ability to provide colleges with more detailed information about students' strengths and weaknesses. Despite these efforts, the SAT remains a contentious issue, with many arguing that it perpetuates existing inequalities in the education system.

Coleman has pushed back against criticism of the SAT, arguing that the test remains a vital tool for college admissions. He has pointed to the test's long history and its proven track record of predicting college success. Nevertheless, the debate over the SAT's relevance shows no signs of abating, with many experts calling for more comprehensive and inclusive assessments of student readiness.

The implications of the SAT's perceived flaws extend far beyond the education sector. Companies that provide SAT preparation materials, such as Kaplan and Princeton Review, have seen their revenue decline in recent years as more students opt for free online resources. Research institutions, such as the University of California, Berkeley, have begun to question the value of the SAT in predicting student success, citing concerns about the test's cultural bias and lack of diversity. The SAT's influence also extends to policy environments, with some lawmakers calling for reforms to the test's scoring system and others advocating for the elimination of standardized testing altogether.

Kaplan, one of the largest SAT preparation companies, has seen its revenue decline by 20% in recent years, according to a report by Bloomberg. The company has attempted to adapt to changing market conditions by offering more affordable and flexible preparation options. However, the SAT's reputation continues to suffer, with many students and parents opting for alternative assessments, such as the ACT or Advanced Placement exams.

The debate over the SAT's relevance is part of a larger conversation about the role of standardized testing in education. Historically, the SAT has been seen as a benchmark for college admissions, but recent years have seen a growing trend towards more holistic and nuanced assessments of student readiness. Some institutions, such as the University of California, Berkeley, have opted out of the SAT altogether, citing concerns about the test's cultural bias and lack of diversity. Meanwhile, other countries, such as the UK and Australia, have moved away from standardized testing in favor of more flexible and competency-based assessments.