By: Lynn Dang
Coming spring 2016, the new SAT will replace the current SAT. These are some of the top changes you need to know.
Scoring
The current SAT composite score is 600-2400, while the redesigned test’s score will be 400-1600. The guessing penalty of each question is ¼ of a point, but in the new test, there will be no guessing penalty.
Time
Without breaks, the current SAT test takes three hours and 45 minutes to complete. The required essay is the first part of the test and takes 25 minutes.
Not including the now optional essay, the new SAT will take three hours. If you choose to write the essay, the test will take three hours and 50 minutes.
Content
Instead of three main scores from reading, and writing, and math, the new SAT has two section scores: one from math, and one from reading/writing and language.
The SAT is well known for its assessment of vocabulary knowledge through sentence completion questions.
According to The College Board, the redesigned SAT is intended to “engage students in close reading and honor the best work of the classroom.” Therefore, the new SAT will test vocabulary through context. Frequently used words and phrases appear in texts about a variety of subjects, including science and history.
“No longer will students use flashcards to memorize obscure words, only to forget them the minute they put their test pencils down,” according to The College Board’s website.
The math section will also be different in the new SAT. Application-based and grid-in questions are designed to test a deep understanding of theories behind math.
Calculators are only allowed in one of the two math sections.
Format
The new SAT will have four answer choices instead of the previous five answer choices.
The redesigned SAT can be taken on computers, whereas the current SAT can only be taken with paper and pencil.
Learn more about changes to the SAT at https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat?navId=gh-nsat
