As many of you know, a redesigned SAT exam
was offered for the first time in March.
Results for this test won’t be released until May so many juniors might
be feeling a bit anxious waiting. It’s
going to take awhile, not only to score the new test, but for analysts to
determine how the scores calibrate with the previous test.
Here are some notes I took at a recent
counselors’ conference about the effects of the new exam:
Format changes:
--No guessing
penalty
--There are still
calculator and non-calculator sections (unlike the ACT)
--Sections are now
longer.
--The essay is now
optional and not included in the 1600 point composite score.
--Check the
College Board site for a summary of the content changes. Both the math and verbal sections are
designed to align better with Common Core standards of evidence-based
reasoning.
Implications for
the University of California State Universities:
--The UCs will
still require the writing portion of the SAT.
--For now at
least, the CSUs will continue to use the score range from the old SAT on its
eligibility index.
Suggestions for
preparing and taking the exam:
--First try
practice tests for both the SAT and ACT to see which format/content works
better. You can take a practice test via the public library or at a test prep
center like Kaplan or AJ Tutoring.
--Sign up to take
the optional writing essay as it is still required for many colleges and
universities.
--Use the free
tutorial offered by Khan Academy to prepare for the test.
--As you research
your college list, check whether or not each school: offers score choice, super
scores, or requires SAT subject tests.
My overall advice
is to prepare well for standardized tests and plan carefully to take the tests
as few times as possible (no more than twice).
Good luck!
