FUN WITH MAPS ISSUE 2026-106

By Steve Kovacs (Introduction by Chuck Gibson)

LOVELAND, OH (June 23, 2026) – This edition of FWM recognizes the anniversary of the first standardized testing for our youth.

TESTING

The Scholastic Aptitude Test or SAT was first administered 100 years ago, on June 23, 1926.  Typically, high school juniors and seniors take this standardized test as part of their college admission package.

Many colleges require that an applicant provide their SAT scores, or their alternate standardized test, ACT, scores.  These, in addition to the students’ GPA, high school activities and certain intangibles tend to determine who a given college will accept.

Some colleges, including most public California colleges, do not require SAT or ACT scores because they view that these tests discriminate against disadvantaged students.   Interestingly, studies by the SAT people show that neither SAT preparatory classes nor elite high school attendance influence SAT scores significantly.

About 2 million kids take the SAT annually.  The SAT has two sections, reading/writing and math.  The essays are done away unless requested.  The SAT scores are intended to follow a bell-shaped distribution.

The SAT is developed and administered by the non-profit College Board, headquartered in New York City.

This map of large parts of New York City is by Colton from 1870.

Steve Kovacs and his wife Theresa reside in Loveland, Ohio where they raised their two children. He is a passionate collector of antique maps. Visit his antique map boutique world-on-paper online. Watch for his daily feature Fun with Maps here on Loveland Beacon.