What to Expect with the New SAT

Beginning March 5, 2016, test-takers will find changes to the SAT. If students have not taken the exam prior to the new SAT, chances are they will not notice the changes, but these students should consider their study materials, choosing current resources.
 
As The College Board explains, the goal of the new exam is to make it “more focused, clear and useful.”
 
With this goal in mind, the new SAT was revamped with specific changes.
 
This is what’s different.
 

  • It better reflects what you’re learning in class.
  • The SAT vocabulary words are gone.
  • There is no penalty for guessing.
  • It focuses on math that matters most.
  • The essay has been redesigned, and it is optional.

 
Three things that will not change are:
 

  • It will be accepted by almost all U.S. colleges.
  • It is typically taken by juniors in the spring and seniors in the fall.
  • SAT scores and high school GPA are a powerful combination. Used together, there’s nothing better at predicting potential college success.

 
The new SAT will include:
 

  • 4 parts: Reading, Writing and Language, Math, and the optional SAT Essay.
  • 400–1600 score scale
  • 3 hours and 50 minutes with the SAT Essay — or 3 hours without it
  • 4 answer choices

 
While the new SAT will be more focused, clear and useful, we encourage students not to take it lightly and to thoroughly prepare for the exam. The Learning Resource Center of Polk County Inc. offers SAT preparation courses throughout the year, and will continue to offer the most up-to-date information and strategies to help students achieve their best score on the test. For more on LRC’s SAT Preparation, please visit LRCPolk.com, and inquire about the Sliding Fee Scale.
 
Stay abreast of upcoming test dates, register online, get answers to your registration questions, and/or learn about the SAT fee waiver on CollegeBoard.org.
 
Best wishes on your test!