Is the SAT an I.Q. test?
The notion of I.Q. is rather vague, and many experts dispute the idea that intelligence is a single thing. They believe that there are multiple forms of intelligence. But even if there is such a thing as general intelligence, the SAT does not measure it directly. The mathematics sections measure proficiency in applying basic mathematical concepts up to algebra and geometry. The critical reading sections measure reading comprehension skills and knowledge of English vocabulary. The writing sections measure your ability to write a short, impromptu essay on a general topic and to correct someone else’s writing to the standards of formal written English. All of these are learned skills, not some inherent intelligence.
