Since 2005, the SAT has consisted of three different sections with a 2400 as a perfect score. The Freshman Class of 2017 will be the first to take a new, redesigned test that includes only two sections, an “evidence-based reading and writing” and math, with an optional essay, adding up to a possible perfect score of 1600. Obscure words will no longer be a part of the SAT and more common, everyday words will be put in their place.  The exam will test your knowledge; instead of just picking an answer, you will need to be able to validate that answer.

There are many changes to the new SAT, including the limitation of a calculator on some parts of the exam and the fact that point penalties for wrong answers will no longer occur. There will also be a new “evidenced based reading and writing” section, requiring students to focus on vocabulary in real-world context. The section will also focus on analyzing literature, social studies, and science passages, including a primary source passage from history. No longer will students be required to complete sentences or edit sentences out of context; all writing questions will be asked based on a passage. The new, “optional” essay now allows students to have an extra 25 minutes to formulate an analysis to a provided document.  The College Board hopes that this exam will help students be more prepared and ready for college.

Teachers and professors are satisfied with the switch for multiple reasons, one being that the current SAT is too far from the information that students learn in their high schools, requiring out-of-school tutors to prepare for the exam. Geometry Teacher Mrs. Wing stated, “I am not sorry to see the penalties for a wrong answer gone and hope that the test will not once again become so predictable that students have to spend an exorbitant amount of money and time with SAT tutors. I have always hated the fact that so much rides on one test. As for the essay being optional, I bet the colleges will decide they want the essay portion, so skipping it won’t be a choice. As you can see writing is not my forte, so if I were a student again, I would be cheering.” Only time will tell whether the new SAT will be more of a measure of intelligence, and whether it will be more effective or less of a preparation than the present SAT for the students going to college.