Prepping for the New SAT – Part 1
The new SAT debuted in March of 2016. According to historical data, the changes made to the SAT are the largest amount of changes that have transpired all at once in over three decades! The content that is included in the new SAT is considered to be comparable to that which is often found on the ACT test.
The biggest difference, by far, is the process in which the concepts presented within the test are tested and the actual steps that students will need to take in order to successfully solve the problems that are on the test. The students that take the new SAT will be required to process information in a quick manner. The problems within the test must be addressed in a linear manner and a sequential fashion.
In order for a student to be prepared for the SAT, they must learn as much about the test as possible and should be prepped to perform optimally. In this multi-part series, we will be outlining many facts about the new SAT and providing you with prepping strategies that you may use to help your child achieve their personal best on the test.
The Changes
Before delving into the process associated with prepping for the new SAT, we believe it is first important to highlight the changes that will be noted when taking this test. These include the following:
- If a wrong answer is given, there will be no penalty for it.
- Each question has a possible 4 answers, not 5.
- The vocabulary words used will be more familiar to the test taker.
- Multiple definitions of common vocabulary words will need to be known.
- The questions will require that the student takes multiple steps in order to come to an answer.
- The passages that must be read while taking the test will have a high level of complexity – as far as structure is concerned – and, will have more complex vocabulary words.
- The foundational math skills are the most important of all math skills on the new SAT.
- The child must be able to reason well and have a high skillset in critical thinking skills.
- Sentence completions are no longer included on the SAT.
- The new SAT does not have as many sections; however, each of the sections that are on the test are significantly longer than the sections on the previous SAT.
The new SAT has been changed to keep up with the learning pace and style of today’s student. While this test offers more of an opportunity for each child to excel, it is important to know the differences of the tests and as much information as possible on each of the sections of the new SAT. By taking this step, you will be able to successfully prep your child.
