The SAT's 100-year grip on higher ed
Summary
Host Randi Zuckerberg explores the SAT’s century-old origins, tracing its creation from Harvard President James Conant’s meritocratic ideals and Carl Brigham’s eugenics-influenced research. The episode details how the test evolved from a scholarship tool into a national standard, fueled by WWII logistics and post-war college expansion. It concludes by examining modern debates over equity, the recent shift to test-optional admissions, and the SAT’s enduring role in perpetuating class structures.
Topics discussed
Intro: SAT scores, personal anecdotes, and the show's premise
Listener question on the College Board and the SAT's 100-year history
James Conant's rise at Harvard and desire for meritocracy
The concept of 'natural aristocracy' and finding hidden talent
Searching for a background-free test to identify students
The influence of eugenics and IQ testing in early 20th century
Carl Brigham's military IQ tests and partnership with the College Board
Conant pilots the test for Harvard scholarships with success
Brigham's doubts about the test vs. Conant's continued promotion
WWII logistics help the SAT go national and replace essays
The SAT becomes a multi-billion dollar industry amid fairness debates
Pandemic pauses, test-optional policies, and recent data trends
Conclusion: Does the SAT replicate class structures?
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