Changes to the SAT
New SAT (available March 2016 and after)
Scoring
No wrong-answer penalty
Score is out of 1600
800 for Math
800 for Evidence-Based Reading and Writing
No wrong-answer penalty
Score is out of 1600
Anatomy
1 Evidence-Based Reading and Writing test
35-minute Language and Writing section
800 for Evidence-Based Reading and Writing
1 Math test
55-minute section with calculator
25-minute section without calculator
1 Essay test (optional) - 50 minutes
4 answer choices for multiple choice questions
Timing
3 hours; 3 hours 50 minutes with optional essay
Administration
Available in print and digitally
Fewer questions with a greater focus on in-depth analysis of content and evidence
Essay
Essay is optional
Students have 50 minutes to analyze a 650-750 word document and draft an essay
Tests reading, analysis, and writing skills; requires students to analyze a source document and explain how the author builds an argument
Facts matter
Scored separately
Math
Concentrated focus on:
Problem-solving and data analysis
"The Heart of Algebra"
"Passport to Advanced Math"
Real-world problem solving accompanied by informational graphics
Calculator permitted for 37 questions; not permitted for 20 questions
Multiple choice and grid-in questions; 1 Item Set grid-in question
Reading and Writing
Evidence-Based Reading
No Sentence Completions
Tests understanding of passages from U.S. and World Literature, History/Social Studies, and Sciences (500-750 words)
Writing and Language
Tests "Expression of Ideas" and "Standard English Conventions" through passages relating to Careers, History/Social Studies, Humanities, and Science
All questions pull from extended prose (400-450 words)
