Frequently
Asked Questions About the New SAT
Why is the SAT changing?
Who will the changes affect?
How is the SAT changing?
Will the scoring be the same?
How long is the new test?
Is there a fee change associated with the new test?
How will the essay be graded?
Will I need to have outside knowledge on the topic to do well on the essay?
Will the essay increase the time it takes to receive my scores?
Will colleges still require the SAT Subject Tests writing test?
Will all of the math questions be advanced concepts?
Will colleges only accept the new SAT for the class of 2006?
How should I prepare for this new SAT?
Why is the SAT changing?
The former president of the University of California (UC) system was going to drop the SAT as an admissions requirement and replace it if the College Board didn't add some tough math questions and replace the analogies with an essay. Since the UC system is the biggest user of the SAT and SAT Subject Tests exams, these changes were made.
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Who will the changes affect?
The high school graduating class of 2006 and beyond.
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How is the SAT changing?
There will be a new writing section; analogies will be eliminated and replaced with reading passages; more advanced math on the exam; and the quantitative comparison math questions will be removed and an essay will be added.
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Will the scoring be the same?
No. The new SAT will be scored 200 - 800 writing, 200 - 800 math, and 200 - 800 critical reading.
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How long is the new test?
It is 30 minutes longer than current SAT, so it will
be a 3.5 hour exam instead of the current 3 hour exam.
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Is there a fee change associated with the new test?
Yes. The College Board is estimating that the fee will increase by $10 - $12, for a new total cost of $36 - $38.
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How will the essay be graded?
Traditionally, multiple graders are assigned to each essay looking for a combination of structure, grammar, and organization of thought. Each reader will score the essay independently. If the grades differ substantially, the essay will undergo an independent review.
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Will I need to have outside knowledge on the topic to do well on the essay?
No. Essay readers will award a score based on a combination of structure, grammar, and organization of thought. The readers know that you have only 25 minutes to write, so they will grade your essay for what it really is - a first draft written on demand under timed conditions. Creativity won't count, so focus on the basics.
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Will the essay increase the time it takes to receive my scores?
The College Board is claiming that it won't take any longer.
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Will colleges still require the SAT Subject Tests writing test?
Probably not, but no decision has yet been made to eliminate the
test. If you want to stay on top of the most current new SAT news, check back
here frequently for the latest developments.
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Will all of the math questions be advanced concepts?
No. The advanced math concepts will only account for about 10% of the math questions.
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Will colleges only accept the new SAT for the class of 2006?
If you are in the Class of 2006, 2007 or beyond, ONLY take the New SAT. Colleges and universities across the country will accept the new test. Plus, despite what you may have heard, you'll probably find the New SAT easier than the old one. In fact, we've raised our guarantee from 100 points to at least 200 points for the New SAT--that's how confident we are that you can beat the new test.
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How should I prepare for this new SAT?
Because the test is in the process of changing, there are no old
tests or questions from which to study. During this time of flux, we strongly
recommend that you let The Princeton Review Taiwan help you prepare for the
test. The Princeton Review Taiwan has been successfully preparing students
for the SAT for over 10 years, and we have the highest average score improvement in the industry.
In addition, we've spent considerable time and money developing the latest
and greatest practice materials, tests, and tools that follow the format of
the new test and will help you achieve your best score.
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The Princeton Review Taiwan was there for students and educators when the College
Board revamped the SAT in 1994, and we're here for you now! |
