Frontline Season 18 Episode 2 Secrets of the SAT

In the second episode of Frontline's 18th season, titled "Secrets of the SAT," viewers are taken on a deep dive into the world of standardized testing and the SAT exam specifically. The SAT has been a major player in the college admissions process for decades, but its validity and usefulness have been called into question in recent years.

Through interviews with students, professors, and experts on college admissions and testing, Frontline explores the various aspects of the SAT that make it both revered and reviled. Viewers are shown the intricacies of the test itself, from the way questions are chosen and ordered to the scoring process and the use of "adversity scores" to adjust for socioeconomic factors.

The episode also examines the controversial role that test prep companies have played in the industry, with some claiming that their services are essential for success on the SAT while others argue that they create an unfair advantage for those who can afford them.

Frontline investigates the impact that the SAT has on students' lives and futures, with a particular focus on the college admissions process and the ongoing debates around the use of standardized testing in determining academic merit. The episode highlights the experiences of students who have taken the SAT and their thoughts and feelings about the test, as well as the pressure and stress that comes with the college admissions process overall.

Ultimately, "Secrets of the SAT" offers a nuanced and thought-provoking look at standardized testing and the SAT exam in particular, raising important questions about equity and access to higher education in America today.