The available evidence pertaining to the decline in scores on the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) and the American College Testing Program (ACT) is reviewed in terms of: the test, the test-taking population, the college bound population, the schools, and societal factors. The SAT score decline is described in both graphic and tabular form, and population data for the years 1957 through 1973 is presented. It is concluded that the evidence confirms a general decline in the abilities of the college bound population, but is less clear with respect to the high school population. It is speculated that the declines in the college bound population are due to several factors acting in combination: increases in the proportion of low- and middle-income students, reductions in the numbers of test repeaters, changes in the mix of SAT-user colleges, and less strict college admission policies. (Author/EVH)