College board announces redesigned test for 2016
MacKenzie McGraw
No longer will prestigious test preparation centers be needed as much in order to learn the secrets of scoring well on the SAT. The newly redesigned test will go into effect spring of 2016.
The College Board has announced that in an effort to better assess college and career readiness and improve college accessibility for low-income students, a redesigned SAT will go into effect in spring of 2016.
The test will revert back to a 1600-point scale and will have only two sections worth up to 800 points each: math and evidence-based reading and writing. The essay section, first introduced in 2005, will be optional and will have a separate score.
By making the essay section optional, the test will now take three hours as opposed to three hours and fifty minutes.
Math questions will focus on data analysis, algebra, real world problem solving and areas such as linear equations, complex equations and functions, ratios, percentages and proportional reasoning. Unlike the current test, a calculator will only be allowed on certain sections of the math test.
The reading and writing section will contain less “SAT” words and more practical vocabulary seen in a real college setting. Additionally, this section will contain integrated disciplines such as science, history and social studies into the literature, including our country’s founding documents and famous speeches.
Senior Hunter Sainsbury said, “Since the critical reading was my weakest section, I’m happy to see them eliminate pointless vocabulary from the test; however, besides that, I think the rest of the test was quite fair. You have resources to help you study, and if you didn’t use them, then your SAT score wouldn’t improve much, even if there’s a new test.”
Hunter continued, “The SAT is about preparation, not schoolwork which can be useful in college as well.”
Similar to the ACT, students will no longer incur a ¼ point penalty for each incorrect answer. Rather, students will be given a point for each correct answer.
The test, while currently only administered on paper, will be offered as electronic administration on the computer as well.
Beginning in spring 2015, Khan Academy, partner of the College Board, will provide free test preparation materials for students. Senior Julia Roberts said, “The new changes will help to eliminate expensive tutoring, which will even the playing field for college applicants.”
More information regarding specifications and sample test questions will be released on April 16.
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