Redesigned SAT introduces changes in structure, content and focus points

The Scholastic Aptitude Test, better known as the SAT, has gone under the knife of College Board and come out with a face lift. In the spring of 2016 high school students taking the redesigned SAT are the first to experience the new questions in a real test unlike the practice ones available.
All sections will continue to be administered, but additional information and a wide range of changes will alter the experience and difficulty of the test.

“The new test is less rigorous and not as heavy in vocabulary as the current administration,” counselor Natalie Nuss said.
Colleges will consider the changes and content of the test, however they will still look for the basic achievements when examining prospective students.

“Colleges are still going to look for strong scores in consideration of admission along with class rank and GPA,” Nuss said. “Students should continue to focus on math and reading. Students should take the writing they do in high school courses seriously as preparation for the essay portion. Students need to take advantage of test prep including free Kaplan [a corporation specializing in admissions test preparation] PSAT/ACT/SAT prep available.”

One of the most controversial variations made to the SAT is not requiring the essay and making it an optional part of the test.

“Students need to opt-in to the essay portion,” Nuss said. “The counselors do not believe this was a wise move on behalf of College Board. Much of your college work will be writing oriented and students need to be comfortable with writing in general as a component of their education. Though the essay portion of the SAT is just a snapshot of a student’s ability, it is still a valuable component to determining college readiness.”
The test has gone through an eight point transformation. Changes to the information in the vocabulary, writing and the math section are evident. Practice tests and questions that reflect the structure and content of the new test are available online to help the students required to take the redesigned test.

“Kaplan has partnered with Wylie East to provide mock tests on our campus as well as access to online test prep for both SAT and PSAT,” Nuss said. “Look over practice tests and familiarize yourself with the format of the new test. Focus on the content you are learning in your high school courses as well as test prep in whatever form works for you. College Board provides free practice tests, questions and email of the day services.”
Practice tests and information are available at http://www.kaptest.com/ or https://www.collegeboard.org/.