Change is always scary! By now you know that the SAT is changing. I have received a lot of questions from current 10th graders (students who will graduate in 2017) about what to do when it comes to test preparation now that this change is on the horizon. Here are my top 3 pieces of advice, in no particular order:
1. Don't panic!
Yes, the SAT is changing. However, keep in mind that as of now, it is just as much of a mystery to you as it is to admissions officers who will be reviewing your application. Everything will become clearer as the College Board releases additional information.
2. Take the ACT, if you can
While the SAT is changing, the ACT is not. The ACT is accepted by all 4 year colleges and universities in the United States. And last year, more students took the ACT than the SAT. Admissions officers are just as familiar with the ACT as the SAT. If you still decide to take the new SAT, submit both scores. Admissions officers like to see as much information about you as possible, so it definitely won't hurt! Sign up for an ACT diagnostic test here.
3. Take the current SAT before March 2016
Universities will accept your scores from the current SAT, as long as you complete your attempts before March 2016. January 2016 will be the last time the current SAT is offered. If you do so, you will not need to take the new SAT. This is the advice I am giving to all my students, because there are no preparation materials currently available for the new SAT, and you can kickstart your prep now by preparing for the current SAT.
Have more questions about the new SAT? Leave a comment below and one of our TestRocker experts will be in touch with you shortly.
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