SAT FAQ

Taylor Stark
For the first time in over 10 years, College
Board debuted a new version of the SAT.
Students will begin taking the new test in
March 2016. College Board claims that the new
test is simpler and more straight forward than
before. However, many wonder about the
test details.

1. What is the SAT?

A test that universities use for college admission and scholarships.
2. Why was the change made?
This article explains that College Board received feedback from universities saying that
they only used certain portions of the exam to use for admissions and wanted a more
practical test.
3. How does this affect students?
According to IvyGlobal, the new SAT affects students in the class of 2017 and
after. They will be the first students to take the test.
4. How will this affect the admission process?
There should be no major changes to the admission process. Every college has their own
policies regarding the test.
5. When will students begin to take the test?
Students can take the test in March 2016.
6. What are the biggest changes to the test?
According to College Board, the reading and
writing sections will be tested together. The math
portion consists of data interpretation and graphs now.
The essay portion is optional.
7. What is the score range for the new test?
The SAT is now 400 - 1600. Previously, the test
scaled from 600 to 2400 according to College Board.
8. Is there a guessing penalty on the new SAT?
No. Previously, there was a 1/4 point reduction
guessing penalty. That has been taken away according to
this article.
9. Did the format of the test change?
Yes. This comparison chart shows that the SAT is
now offered on paper and computer, the old test was
only offered on paper.

10. Are there any practice tests for the new SAT?
Yes. If you are interested, visit this website for practice tests.

SAT Timeline

1926
SAT test
is created

1994
2005
SAT test is revised SAT point scale
changes to 2400

2014
College Board
considers another
test revision

2016
Students begin
taking new
SAT