Is the SAT a cognitive ability test?

The SAT is considered to be a measure of cognitive abilities, but it's not a pure or comprehensive test of *all* cognitive abilities. It focuses primarily on the cognitive skills needed for success in college, particularly reading comprehension, analytical reasoning, and mathematical problem-solving. These are important cognitive abilities, but they don't encompass the full range of human cognitive capabilities (e.g., creativity, emotional intelligence, practical intelligence). Therefore, while it *assesses* cognitive abilities, it's not a complete or universal test of them.