So how do you think Ishmael would describe the INTENT of the SAT? I wasn't sure which view he would prefer. Would he favor the SAT because it is supposed to level the playing field, where all players have an equal chance based on their abilities not their connections or would it encourage too much competition so that it is only furthering the goals of the "takers"?

I think the key word is "supposed". The test doesn't actually level the playing field and Ishmael pretty much sees through all pretenses. That's why I think he would view the intent as something the takers would use against the leavers and other takers who are viewed as being weak in some way.

Hi Melanie!
I think he would view it as another means by which man tries to control his environment...not the earth, but his living environment. Testing alleges that those who meet a certain criteria (higher test scores) are the more favored or evolved of the species. These should be the ones who make the decisions which affect future generations.
I may be totally off-base, though.

Thanks Paula and Randy for your insight! It really helped!