College Admissions: SAT Announces Biggest Changes EVER
Monday, March 10, 2014
Last week, the Collegeboard announced sweeping changes to the SAT which will take effect in 2016. The changes come at a time when SAT has been losing market share. As of 2012, the ACT surpassed the SAT as the most popular college entrance exam. Additionally, colleges have been flocking to join the Fairtest movement which advocates SAT/ACT optional policies in college admissions. Today, more than 800 four year institutions allow students to opt out of submitting test scores during the admissions process. Who will the SAT changes affect and what can students expect? More details will be release on April 16, but here is what we know so far:
- The class of 2017 will be the guinea pigs. Since the changes are not scheduled to roll out until the spring of 2016, students who are presently sophomores and juniors will not be taking the new test. This means that there will not be changes that affect test prep for those students.
- Back to a 1600 scale. Although it was just a few years ago that the SAT moved to a total score of 2400 with the addition of a writing section, that’s ending as of 2016. The new test will have a Math section worth 800 points and a Reading section worth 800 points. A writing section will be optional and have a separate score—much like the ACT. Students can expect that most competitive colleges will require the writing section, since most require it for the ACT.
- Fewer tricks. Simply put, the SAT will become more straightforward, requiring less preparation in the area of test question strategy, distractor answers and other confusing aspects of the test.
- No penalty for wrong answers. In a move that mirrors the ACT scoring philosophy, the SAT will stop penalizing students for wrong answers. Points will only be given for correct answers. This frees students up to guess more often and may alleviate some aspects of test anxiety.
- Adios Adipescent. Students can wave goodbye to memorizing words they will never see again. The Collegeboard says that they will focus on words that are used in college and careers, veering away from some of the exotic vocabulary that is presently on the exam.
- A broader scope for the Reading section. Again, moving toward what appears to be closer in scope to the ACT, the SAT will incorporate reading passages that cover not just literature, but also science and history.
- Calculator restrictions. The Math portion of the SAT will focus on: linear equations, complex functions, ratios, percentages and proportional reasoning. Calculators will be permitted only for certain parts of the math section.
- Free help. The Collegeboard will partner with the famed online Khan Academy to offer online test prep modules. Additionally, students with financial need will be given college application fee waivers when they take the SAT.
- Computerized option. With the advent of the new SAT, the Collegeboard will FINALLY move into the digital era. Tests will be available in both written and computerized formats.
Overall, students and parent should be optimistic about the changes. The idea that the SAT will be based more on coursework and real world applications is a positive change. However, much is unknown at this point, and it will be some time before students can try out the new SAT or PSAT to see if it is the right test for them. In the meantime, we may see even more students trying the ACT. At this time, no changes have been announced regarding SAT II Subject Tests.
Cristiana Quinn, M.Ed. is the founder of College Admission Advisors, LLC which provides strategic, college counseling and athletic recruiting services for students. www.collegeadvisorsonline.com.
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