EDUCATION
The transition from the current SAT to the new version that is set to take place next March includes differences in the format of the test along with new materials to help prepare students.
by Matthew Hudson
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Overview
In the United States, one of the most important pieces of the college application is standardized testing. For a majority of high school students, this means that they will take either the SAT, the ACT, or they may choose to take both. In March of 2016, however, students that take the SAT will be the first to take the reformed test. This new version of the SAT has many characteristics that change the way students should prepare for it.
Biggest Differences
The main reason for altering the SAT was to make the test more applicable to the high school curriculum. Some of the major changes to the test include two sections instead of three, there is no penalty for guessing, and the essay is optional on the new SAT.
As far as the vocabulary section is concerned, the words on the new SAT are designed to be ones that a student might see in college or in the workplace as opposed to those on current test, which are obscure and not very relevant. While a student preparing for the current SAT might benefit from creating flashcards and memorizing certain words, the new SAT will include words that can be interpreted from context.
On the current SAT, the essay consists of a statement and an open-ended question asking the test taker to answer the question while providing examples from his or her life as support for his or her position on the statement. The optional essay on the new test requires the student to read a passage and analyze the writing techniques used by the author to help provide evidence for his or her argument.
How to Prepare for the new SAT
According to the College Board, the best ways to prepare for the new test are to “take challenging courses, do your homework, prepare for tests and quizzes, and ask and answer lots of questions.” In addition, there are many free resources that a student taking the new SAT can use to prepare and get the best score possible.
One official resource that students can use to practice for the SAT is provided by KhanAcademy.org. Along with a full three hour practice exam created by the College Board, this website includes practice quizzes and additional information about the test.
The College Board also has an official textbook that students can buy for the new SAT. The book contains multiple practice tests for all of the sections, explanations for the answers, and some example essays.
Who should take the new SAT?
With the transition from the current SAT to the new SAT in March of 2016, any student who is graduating later than 2017 will take the new SAT. This means that the class of 2016 will not be able to take the new test because most college applications are due before the new test is implemented. This leaves the class of 2016 with the option to take the current SAT, the ACT, or both.
The class of 2017, however, has the ability to take the current SAT, the new SAT, and the ACT. Because of this option, many juniors are being advised to take the current SAT at least once before time runs out. The current SAT has been in place for a long period of time, so there are more materials that can be used to study for this test.
Reformed SAT brings major changes
“[to prepare you should] take challenging courses, do your homework, prepare for tests and quizzes, and ask and answer lots of questions.” - College Board
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