College Board announced recently that they would be changing the SAT to hopefully become more focused and useful to students and admissions offices across the nation.
The biggest change is the reverse back to the 1600 scale. The exam will test students in both evidence-based reading and math each on an 800 scale.
The writing section has not been completely eliminated; it is now only the essay, and it is optional.
This essay score will be separate from the combined SAT score entirely.
Because of the elimination of the writing, the test has become shorter. The previously 3 hour and 45 minute test has shortened to just about 3 hours.
There will be an added 50 minutes for anyone who chooses to take the essay portion.
There will also be an option to take the test on the computer in some areas as opposed to only paper.
Previously, points were deducted for false answers, but not deducted for questions skipped. Now, the test will only be scored off of right answers.
The contents within the test are also changing.
For the reading section, all passages will be “evidence-based readings,” according to College Board.
College Board defines evidence-based reading as supporting “answers with evidence, including questions that require them to cite a specific part of a passage to support their answer choice.”
They will also be eliminating the obscure vocabulary words that so often trick students. Instead, they will be replacing it with college based vocabulary, with words such as synthesis and empirical.
As for the math section, College Board has decided to focus the subjects tested. Instead of asking questions from a wide range of classes, there will be fewer topics. These topics are from what College Board believes to be the most applicable to college and careers.
The new math section also restricts calculator use in aim to better assess students’ fluency and understanding of the topic.
Advocates of the test claim that the test better aligns with what is taught in school as opposed to what is taught at a prep center. It aims to level that playing field for students who are unable to take the extensive prep classes that so often lead to success on the SAT.
College Board President David Coleman says that most of these changes stem from standardized tests becoming “far too disconnected” from American schools.
Those in opposition state that the test will become easier and result in lower standards. Some, like Shaan Patel of Veritas Prep, claim the change is money motivated.
In both 2012 and 2013, it was reported more students took the ACT than the SAT.
“My opinion is this test will be easier than the current SAT and the College Board is betting on more students taking the SAT because of that,” Patel said.
Until the Spring of 2016, the first time the new test will be available, the outcome of the test remains a game of wait-and-see.
