NOTE: This blog post contains guidance that was valid only though December 2015. Now that your test options are either the redesigned SAT or the ACT, check out our newly updated post, Redesigned SAT vs. ACT: How 11th Graders Should Choose, for the latest guidance on what to do next.
You’ve probably heard a lot of talk regarding the Redesigned SAT (a.k.a. the “New SAT”), which launches in March 2016. But how, exactly, does the new test affect you? In this post, we’ll break down what’s changing, compare the Redesigned SAT to the Existing SAT and ACT—and explain what 11th graders need to do ASAP to determine which test is right for them.
What's changing? How do the Existing SAT, Redesigned SAT, and ACT compare?
The comparison chart above illustrates some of the most basic changes in the Redesigned SAT (more of a curriculum-based vs. aptitude test, no penalty for guessing, and different section names/scoring scale). For a summary of changes by section (English/Reading, Math, Science, and Essay)—as well as a look at how the Existing SAT, Redesigned SAT, and ACT compare along key dimensions—download our 2015/16 SAT/ACT Comparison chart.
Did you know the ACT has changed, too? Here’s a summary of those changes.
What about the PSAT?
The October 2015 PSAT will be reflective of the style and content of the Redesigned SAT and will include such changes as eliminating the penalty for guessing incorrectly. Test length will increase from 2 hours and 10 minutes to 2 hours and 45 minutes.
Which tests should you focus on?
- 12th Graders: Ignore the Redesigned SAT. The launch date of March 2016 is after most college application deadlines. We recommend you focus on the Existing SAT and ACT instead.
- 11th Graders: You need to act now to determine which test is right for you—the clock is ticking since the Existing SAT disappears forever after January 23, 2016. Download the Class of 2017 SAT/ACT Action Plan for step-by-step guidance on determining the right test for you.
- 10th Graders and Younger: Your test choice will be between the Redesigned SAT and ACT. Take a practice SAT and ACT between the spring of your sophomore year and fall of your junior year.
Your next step for SAT/ACT success: Read the Ultimate Guide
The Ultimate Guide to Designing Your SAT/ACT Prep Strategy will walk you through a 3-step process to determine which test (Existing SAT, Redesigned SAT, or ACT) is right for you, what your goal score should be, and the best way for you to study.
The Guide is written specifically for students in Anchorage and the Mat-Su Valley and will also help you answer questions like:
- How many times should I take the official test? If I take it more than once, which score will colleges use?
- Do colleges consider my SAT/ACT Writing score?
- Should I use Khan Academy to prepare for the Redesigned SAT?
Additional Resources
The ACT Is Changing, Too. Here’s What You Need to Know.