Apr 29, 2013 by Yolanda Fontanez-Coleman | SAT Prep
The SAT Reasoning Test has gone through major changes in 3 areas over the last decade that impact the testing experience for students throughout the nation interested in attending institutions of higher learning. Below is a summary of the most recent changes to the SAT.
Change 1 – Test subjects.
The most recent version of the SAT, instituted in 2005, tests students in 3 areas – writing, critical reading and math – for a total of 171 questions to be answered within 3 hours and 45 minutes. There are 50 questions in the writing section, 67 questions in the critical reading section and 54 questions in the math section.
Change 2 – SAT Scores.
Score Choice was introduced in 2009. It gives each student the option to choose which scores, by test date, they send to colleges or universities in accordance with that institution’s stated score-use practice. Students still receive 3 scores and each section is still worth anywhere from 200 to 800 points, for a maximum score of 2400.
It’s important to note that:
Questions that are skipped don’t count either for or against a score.
Points aren’t taken away for wrong answers on the math questions where students enter answers into a grid.
Change 3 – SAT administration.
The College Board and Educational Testing Service (ETS) changed their security methods and implemented changes based around testing administration starting with tests given during the 2012-2013 academic year. The changes enhance the security methods surrounding the registration, test-day and post- test-day experience for students taking any of the 7 national and 6 international SAT tests. Changes were made to maintain an honest and fair testing environment for students.
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