As of 2016, the College Board will be making changes to the current
SAT in an effort to make it more reflective of students’ ability to succeed in
college. Students will no longer be required to take the essay portion of the
exam so the top possible score will once again be 1600 as
it was for many decades.
In
addition, some of the other changes to the test include making the math
problems less theoretical and more closely related to real life. Students will
no longer be allowed to use calculators so that the SAT will also test their
math fluency and calculation skills.
For
the English portion, there will be less obscure vocabulary and more commonly
used vocabulary that students will see in their everyday lives. The optional essay will be more closely
linked to the texts presented to students to test their analyzation skills
include less personal opinion.
Other
changes will include a change in the scoring. Students will no longer loose
points for incorrect answers. They will only be given points for correct answers. In addition the new SAT will be
connected to the new Common Core teaching standards so they will have to apply
their knowledge to problem solve. Finally, the SAT will start offering an online
form as well as traditional paper form.
The changes to the SAT were brought about due to the
criticism that the SATs did not accurately predict performance in college as
well as the assertion that students from privileged backgrounds have an
advantage in that they can take expensive prep courses. As a result the Khan
Academy will offer a free series of practice exams and videos about good
test-taking practices.
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