SAT Redesign - FAQ's
Why is the test changing?
Overall, the changes are designed to better reflect student readiness for college, and will
emphasize critical thinking and problem solving. For instance, students will need to use context
clues to understand vocabulary, and they will need to apply language and math skills in questions
about science, history and social studies. The math section will focus more closely on the areas
deemed most important in college and in career, including algebra, data analysis and problem
solving.
When is it changing?
The first administration of the redesigned SAT will be in March 2016.
What is the difference between the current and the new redesigned SAT?
The redesigned SAT will be more focused on the areas of study that have been shown by current
research to matter most in college and career success. Students will be asked to support their
answers with evidence, define vocabulary in context, respond to an essay prompt asking them to
analyze a writer’s argument, and solve multi-step problems addressing math in real-world
contexts.
How will the new SAT be scored? Are there now multiple scores?
The redesigned SAT will be scored on a 400- to 1600-point scale. The Evidence-Based Reading
and Writing, and Math section will each be scored on a 200- to 800-point scale. Scores for the
Essay section will be reported separately. Another important change is the removal of the penalty
for guessing. Students will receive points for correct answers, and not be penalized for
wrong answers.
College Board will also include an enriched score report, with sub scores. This will provide more
insight into student strengths and will help teachers and students identify areas where more focus
is needed.
What should my student do to prepare for the redesigned SAT?
Rigorous course work will be the best preparation for the SAT. Students are encouraged to use
free College Board resources to get to know the exam and to build on their preparation with
targeted review and authentic practice. Free test preparation is also on the way through Khan
Academy beginning June 2015. In addition, teacher and parent guides to the redesigned
assessments will be available through College Board beginning summer 2015.
Is the PSAT changing? When will the new PSAT be administered?
Yes, the PSAT/NMSQT will change together with the SAT and is planned to launch in October
2015. This schedule will allow students to take the redesigned PSAT/NMSQT before the
redesigned SAT.
How will this affect National Merit?
The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) will continue to use the Preliminary
SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) as an initial screen of
candidates for the National Merit® Scholarship Program, an academic competition for
recognition and scholarships. The PSAT/NMSQT redesign will mirror the redesign of the SAT.
Which test should I take?
Both are admissions exams widely accepted by colleges and universities. Here is a description of
each exam. If students have spent considerable time specifically preparing for a particular exam,
this should be considered. Colleges that have accepted the SAT will most likely accept both the
existing and new SAT. The existing SAT is available until early 2016.
Current SAT
(Available through early 2016)
The Redesigned SAT
(First administration is March 2016)
ACT
The redesigned SAT measures the
essential knowledge and skills
necessary for college and career
readiness and success. The exam
The current SAT doesn’t test logic or
consists of up to 3 components;
abstract reasoning. It tests the skills
Reading and Writing, Mathematics
learned in school: reading, writing
and an optional Essay. The
and math. Student knowledge and
redesigned SAT will require
skills in these subjects are important
students to analyze and use
for success in college and
reasoning to comprehend
throughout life.
challenging literary and
informational texts, including texts
in science, history, and social
studies.
The Critical Reading section includes
reading passages and sentence
completions.
Scoring scale:
Evidence-Based Reading and
Writing: 200-800
The Writing section includes a short
essay and multiple-choice questions
on identifying errors and improving
grammar and usage.
Mathematics: 200-800
Essay (3 sub-scores) Reading,
Analysis and Writing: 2-8 scale
The Mathematics section includes
questions on arithmetic operations,
algebra, geometry, statistics and
probability.
Scoring scale:
Critical Reading: 200-800
Essay: 200-800
Mathematics: 200-800
The ACT is an achievement test,
measuring what a student has
learned in school. An achievement
test is designed to measure a
student's level of skill,
accomplishment, or knowledge in a
specific area. The ACT has up to 5
components: English, Mathematics,
Reading, Science, and an opt
How will admissions criteria be affected by the redesigned SAT?
Colleges and universities will continue to establish their own admission criteria. However,
College Board College and university member institutions are in support of the changes made to
the SAT. These changes were made in consultation with major colleges and universities. In
addition, College Board will provide colleges with a concordance that shows how the two sets of
scores compare.
Will there be a choice to report either option?
When the College Board switches over to the redesigned SAT in spring 2016, the current SAT
will no longer be offered. However, some students will take the SAT before that time and then
take the redesigned SAT later. Because the exam and score scale are changing, we recommend
that these students send all scores, allowing colleges to use those that are most favorable to the
student. Keep in mind that some colleges require students to send all scores.