While at NACAC 2015, Options Solutions attended an information session given by Princeton Review about the new SAT. Here are five things you need to know about the redesigned SAT:
1. SAT “words” are gone.
The new SAT exam will no longer have sentence completion. Vocabulary will be tested in the context of reading passages.
2. For the reading, writing, and arithmetic sections – endurance is required!
The SAT sections have never been this long in length. The sections are:
- 65 min – Reading
- 35 min – Writing & Language
- 25 min – Math (no calculator)
- 55 min – Math (yes calculator)
- 50 min – essay (optional)
Practice tests are key in helping students build endurance.
3. The essay is optional – but harder!
The essay no longer focuses on student opinion about a broad issue. Instead, students are asked to analyze how an argument is built. This transition is meant to help students write at the AP English level.
4. The scoring rubric has changed.
The scoring scale has moved back to a 400-1600 composite scale. Students are now scored in two different areas: math and verbal and can score between 200-800 on each section. Students also receive three individual test scores in three areas: reading, writing, and math and can score between 10-40. For a full explanation of the scores changes, go here.
5. The scores for students who write the March exam will be delayed.
March test-takers will not get their scores back until 3-4 weeks after the May test date. The College Board is holding the March scores to create an average profile between the March and May test scores and will send out the March scores after that information has been calculated.
If your student needs help preparing for the re-designed SAT exam, we can help! Contact our office at (604) 922-8456 or e-mail info@options-wp.chhdev.com for more information.
