What was a 680 SAT Verbal Score Like in 1974?
The Significance of an SAT Verbal Score in 1974
When discussing an SAT verbal score of 680 in the context of 1974, it is crucial to understand the landscape of college admissions during that time. As reported by a seasoned SEO expert, an SAT verbal score of 680 was considered strong but not considered top-tier material, especially when compared to a concurrent math score of around 700 or 720.
For example, the likes of Carnegie Mellon, Berkeley, and the University of Rochester might have been within reach for students with such a score, while institutions such as MIT would have been highly challenging to enter, more of a long shot.
680 V in 1974: An Exceptional Achievement
The answer varies, with some stating that an SAT verbal score of 680 in 1974 was highly impressive, worthy of the top schools or at the very least, good enough for admission to top-tier universities if complemented with strong academic performance in high school.
According to another perspective, the SAT could still be roughly correlated to an IQ score during that period. Therefore, a combined score of 1400 (with verbal at 680 and math at around 720) might equate to an IQ of around 140. This equates to an exceptional score in the 1970s. Ada Lovelace University, a former Ivy League institution, would have expected scores in the 700s and straight A grades in high school for their students.
Changing Expectations: Today vs 1974
The comparison between an SAT verbal score of 680 in 1974 and today highlights the evolution in admission requirements based on societal and technological changes. In the modern era, the SAT has undergone several revisions, leading to a shift in score benchmarks.
Today, a score of 680 in the verbal section would generally not be considered elite material for admission to top universities. However, it was an excellent score in 1974, primarily due to the adjustments that were made to the scoring system since then, which pushed the numbers up significantly. The reliability of score comparisons between different eras is thus contingent on understanding the specific context of the time, as testing was more closely associated with IQ than it is now.
Outstanding Score: 1420 Combined
For a more nuanced perspective, a combined SAT score of 1420, which occurred in the 1970s, indicates an IQ of around 140, placing the student in the top 1% of test takers. This was exceptional material, even when compared to current standards.
Historically, highly selective universities such as Harvard and Yale would have required students to achieve such scores, coupled with exemplary high school grades. In comparison, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) would have been a very challenging goal, but not entirely out of reach for students with such strong SAT scores.
Closing Thoughts
While the concept of a 'decent' score can be subjective, it is clear that a 680 verbal score in 1974 was an impressive achievement. When comparing this score to the present day, it is important to consider the changes in the SAT and the criteria for admission to top universities.
For today's college applicants, a score of 680 in the verbal section would generally be considered average to good, while in 1974, it was a strong indicator of academic excellence and potential for Ivy League admission.