Maybe I missed something in class, but did we come to a consensus about whether the SAT is more of a measure of aptitude or acheivement? I think we started talking about it again Tuesday night, but then changed to another subject. I was just curious.

I don't think we reached a consensus, but the book did say that the SAT was a disguised IQ test. However, it can't be a very true IQ test, if one can improve one's scores with a Kaplan or Princeton review course.

Yet, the teacher mentioned that the SAT no longer has the subtitle of "Scholastic Aptitude Test" as it did when I took it in 1971. It now purports to predict one's first semester grades. Funny thing, the only person in my high school graduating class to become a medical doctor had horribly low SAT scores! He had also ranked 5th in our class of 310. Obviously, whatever it is, it is an imperfect IQ test, and an imperfect predictor of 1st semester grades.

Exactly. Since we can now prepare for the SAT, the test lacks some of the qualities for an aptitude test.