The CollegeBoard recently announced details of its planned changes to the SAT. To help you understand if and how these changes might affect you, we have put together a guide to the New SAT.
As more details are released, it is our priority to keep you updated and informed. Subscribe to our blog by filling out the form in the bottom-right of this page to be kept up-to-date!
SAT Timing
The new SAT will be administered for the first time in the spring of 2016. The CollegeBoard will release additional details and sample questions for the new SAT on April 16th.
Which Test Will You Need To Take?
Now that the new SAT has been announced, a lot of students are not sure which one they should be studying for. It all boils down to your expected year of graduation. Current freshman will be the first ones to take the new SAT.
- Class of 2014 (Grade 12) – Current SAT- Class of 2015 (Grade 11) – Current SAT
- Class of 2016 (Grade 10) – Current SAT
- Class of 2017 and later (Grade 9 and below) – First class to take the new SAT
New SAT Format
The new SAT will be offered in print and, at a few select locations, on computers. There will be three sections Reading/Writing, Math, and an optional Essay. The exam will be scored on a 400 to 1600 point scale. The new SAT will have no penalty for wrong answers; in other words, no points will be deducted. Students can receive up to 800 points for Reading/Writing section and up to 800 points for the Math section. The new SAT will be about 3 hours long, with an added 50 minutes for the optional essay. This essay will be scored separately.
New SAT Content
Vocabulary – the College Board is focusing on making sure students learn vocabulary words that are more relevant, less obscure, and actually used in college courses.
Reading & Writing – similar to the ACT, students will be asked to demonstrate an ability to interpret, synthesize, and use evidence from a wide range of sources.
Essay – The essay prompt will be provided to students in advance, however students will not receive their source material until the actual test. The focus here is on having students demonstrate an ability to read closely, analyze information, and write clearly. The subjectivity of personal experience will be removed and all assertions must be evidence-based.
Math – The new SAT will introduce questions that frame math concepts in a real world context. The questions will focus on the following 3 key areas:
- Ratios, Percentages, Proportional Reasoning
- Algebra, Equations, Functions
Let us help you navigate the new SAT and its changes. Have questions? Just “Ask Suniti” in the panel to the right!
*SAT is a registered trademark of The College Board.
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