SAT Math Level II scores
The most advanced standard math test for U.S. university admission was the SAT Math Level II subject test (recently discontinued) with a top score of 800. Does math education improve if the most proficient are unable to demonstrate their skill, because the test is too easy for them?
Now the College Board, who administered these tests, points to Advanced Placement (AP) coursework as being superior. But in 2020, 44.6% of students achieved the top score of 5 in Calculus BC, the most advanced math class.
Well, I'm an Olde Farte who was in the AP track for math in the 70's, and went on to work as an engineer, preferably in R&D but job change happens. Here are some of my data points:
Math SAT (1979): 750
Calculus AB (1979): 4
Math GRE (1982): 680
Math GRE (1995): 790
Of course I like the 1995 number, but still found it puzzling. I did not think it indicated that I was smarter, but perhaps had less test anxiety (which had been a serious issue when I was younger).