NEW SAT Test – FAQ
When will the new test first be offered?
The first administration of the new version of the SAT will be offered in March 2016.
How does the new version differ from the old version?
Total Testing Time: 3 hours, 45 minutes
Components: Critical Reading, Writing, Math, Essay
Important Features: Emphasis on general reasoning skills, vocabulary in limited context, complex scoring
Essay: Required, given at the beginning of the test, 25 minutes, tests writing skills, students take a position on a presented issue
Score Reporting: Scale ranging from 600-2400 (200-800 for reading/math/writing), essay results scaled to multiple-choice writing
Subscore Reporting: None
Total Testing Time: 3 hours plus 50 minutes for optional essay
Components: Evidence-based Reading and Writing, Math, Essay (optional)
Important Features: Continued emphasis on reasoning with a clearer, stronger focus on knowledge, analytic skills, and understanding most important for college, career readiness, and success
Essay: Optional, given at the end of the test; 50 minutes; the essay assesses reading, writing and analytic skills; students provide a written critical analysis of a provided source document
Score Reporting: Scale ranging from 400-1600 (200-800 for reading and writing/math), 1-4 on each of three traits for essay (Reading, Analysis, and Writing)
Subscore Reporting: Subscores are available for every test, providing added insight for students, parents, admission officers, educators, and counselors
Although the essay is now optional, should I take the essay portion of the test?
The range of colleges to which you will apply determines whether or not you should take the essay portion of the test. Currently, the majority of universities requiring the essay portion of the new SAT exam is minimal; however, the list keeps expanding rapidly. If you don’t register for the SAT with Essay at first, you will be able to add it later before the test date.