I actually think that the current SAT is easier than it was 25-30 years ago. However, statistically it may be equally hard for a given student to get that 700. Of course, you also need to consider that the demographics of SAT takers have changed a lot. Being top 1% of "college prep" kids in the old days is not the same as being top 1% of the general school population today. I also think that extensive prep is so rampant now that a 700 today after substantial prepping does not equal the same 700 with minimal prepping from a quarter century ago.