The SAT has undergone its biggest change in 30 years. The New SAT made its debut in March 2016 and impacts students in the class of 2017 or younger. Our awesome research team has been closely monitoring the changes to make sure counselors, parents, and students get the inside scoop. And we have specific tips for the class of 2017.
The content on the New SAT is very similar to that which is on the ACT. The major difference is in how the concepts are tested and the steps students will have to take to solve problems correctly. Students have to reason their way through this exam by tackling problems in a linear and sequential fashion; a student’s ability to process information quickly is key.
Changes You'll Love | Changes You Won't Love |
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YES! Visit The College Board website to get your scores .
The SAT is still a timed, pencil-and-paper test. Speed and accuracy count. Our Research and Development team are New SAT experts. They have created world class content for our new courses and online resources to help students navigate these changes and be prepared for their SAT test date .
For more details on the changes, click New SAT Structure .
For help figuring out what to do with this information, click What Now? for advice from our test prep and college entrance experts.
The New SAT (as of spring 2016) | |
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SECTIONS | 2 sections
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SCORING | Total score (400–1600)
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LENGTH OF TEST (WITHOUT BREAKS) | 3 hours (without essay) 3 hours, 50 minutes (with essay) |
ANSWER CHOICES | 4 answer choices per question |
INCORRECT ANSWER PENALTY | No penalty for incorrect answers |
FORMAT OF TEST | Paper and pencil (The College Board has announced a computer-based option is forthcoming.) |
READING AND WRITING |
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MATH | Focuses on:
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CALCULATORS | Calculators only allowed in the longer of the two math sections |
THE ESSAY | The essay is optional (50 minutes, timed) Students will be provided a substantial passage (600–700 words) and will then be asked to analyze how the author built their argument; students will need to understand the techniques authors used to write persuasively |
Timing on the New SAT |
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Time Allotted (minutes) | Number of Questions | |
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Reading | 65 | 52 |
Writing and Language | 35 | 44 |
Math | 80 | 58 |
TOTAL | 180 | 154 |
Essay (optional) | 50 | 1 |
Not sure which test to take or when? Our college prep timelines will keep you on track.
Did you take the PSAT in October 2016? Go over your PSAT score report carefully to identify areas where you need additional prep for the SAT.
Want to compare the New SAT with the ACT? Check out our infographic and take our quiz: Should I Take the SAT, the ACT, or Both?
For help deciding which test, the SAT or ACT, is right for you to start with, you can take a SAT or ACT free practice test either in person at a location near you or online.
For information on how to build your own personal plan for success, call us at 800-2REVIEW.
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