What will the new SAT look like?
Sections: The new SAT will have 5 sections:
How will it be scored?
Guessing Penalty: There will no longer be a guessing penalty on the exam, so guess on every question!
Total Score: The total or “composite score” for the new SAT will range from 400 to 1600 points. It will be the sum of two subscores: one from the reading/writings sections combined and one from the math sections. [See diagram below]. The essay will be scored on a scale of 2 to 8 by SAT readers but will not be included in the SAT total score. Colleges will, however, receive the essay score on a student’s score report. The SAT will also provide subscores for various skills in each section, which show a student where to study in order to improve.
Any other important changes?
Fewer Answer Choices: Instead of 5 answer choices per multiple-choice question, the new SAT questions will only have 4 answer choices. That’s good news: students will have a better chance of guessing correctly with fewer answers to pick from.
Computer-Based Testing: In addition to the standard paper booklets available at every testing center, select locations will begin to offer the option of taking the new SAT on a computer.
Changes to Each Section: Every section of the exam is changing. For details, stay tuned! We will discuss reading in Part 2, writing in Part 3, math in Part 4, and the essay in Part 5.
Remember, the new SAT won’t go into effect until Spring 2016. Until then, students will take the old exam. For more information on the entire test and how it might affect your testing timeline see: The New SAT: A Preview of the Changes.
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