The SAT is presented as a measure of college readiness. Recent format changes suggest a concerning trend for aspiring scholars. The pandemic led many universities to drop testing requirements due to exam impracticalities. This resulted in significant revenue loss for the SAT and ACT. Despite digital options, schools have been slow to reinstate SAT/ACT requirements, with over 80% remaining test-optional. The College Board sought to make the SAT more appealing to students. Their solution involved making the test easier, particularly by allowing calculators on the entire math section. The reading comprehension section was significantly shortened, replacing longer passages with brief excerpts. These changes aim to reduce the cognitive load on test-takers. The article suggests the College Board should re-emphasize deep reading and critical thinking skills. This could involve integrating college prep into curricula and reducing the cost of AP exams. Schools are also encouraged to recommit to teaching full books.