As the SAT approaches its 100th anniversary, a Pew Research Center analysis charts the test's evolution since 1926 and traces score changes across decades. The data captures both the SAT and the ACT, offering a broad view of standardized testing in America.
The analysis arrives amid ongoing debates about the role of standardized tests in college admissions. Critics have questioned whether such exams provide equitable access, while some institutions have returned to requiring scores after a pandemic-era pause.
Pew found that scores on both the SAT and ACT have shifted over time, with specific trends varying by section and demographic group. The report does not provide exact numerical comparisons for recent years but describes general patterns of decline and recovery across different eras.
These findings could reignite discussions among educators and policymakers about the future of college entrance exams. The historical perspective highlights how testing has adapted to changing educational priorities and student populations.
Some experts caution that raw score trends may reflect changes in the test-taking population rather than academic ability alone, as more diverse groups have taken the exam over the decades.