Key Information About the NEW SAT

First off, if you are reading this now (April 2014) and you are in Grade 10 or higher, relax, because the new SAT will not come into use until spring of 2016. Keep preparing for the SAT as you have been, in its current form.

For others, here is a very brief summary of key changes that will be made, in the name of building a more relevant test – straight from the College Board:

  • Relevant Words in Context – put away the flashcards that focus on a vocabulary of obscure SAT-only words; the focus turns to terms that are more utilized and useful in today’s society
  • Command of Evidence – show your ability to interpret, synthesize and utilize evidence from a variety of sources, including multiple paragraphs and informational graphics
  • Essay Analyzing a Source – the SAT essay is now an optional piece; it allows the student to show ability to analyze a passage and discern arguments, persuasive elements, reasoning used by writers, emphasizing ability to read closely and carefully analyze
  • Focus on Math that Matters Most – three key areas that are relevant across a broad spectrum of majors and careers will be focus: problem solving and data analysis, the heart of algebra, and advanced math which is essentially the use of complex equations will now comprise the SAT Math section SAT Redesigned
  • Problems Grounded in Real World Contexts – throughout the Math, Reading and Writing sections, the context provided in excerpts and passages and problems will be relevant to real world situations and challenges in college and work
  • Analysis in Science and in History/Social Studies – students will be asked to apply their reading, writing, language, and math skills to answer questions in science, history, and social studies contexts that will help them in life to understand current issues and world events
  • Founding Documents and Great Global Conversation – Are you an international student? Whether you are or not, time to bone up on the U.S. founding documents, including the Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights, and the Federalist Papers and related writings by famous authors – all in the name of informed citizenship
  • No Penalty for Wrong Answers – while in the past, wrong answers meant a quarter point deduction from your score, this penalty will no longer apply; aimed at encouraging students to give the best answer they can for each question on the SAT

If you want to start delving into your New SAT prep now, take a look at some sample questions for each of these, on the College Board’s website: https://www.collegeboard.org/delivering-opportunity/sat/redesign#words. Look for my upcoming post about the ACT versus the SAT!