Changes are coming to the SAT! One of the most widely used college entrance exams is being updated with changes effective in 2016.  For years the SAT has had only one rival, the ACT.  Traditionally the ACT was taken by students in the MidWest, South and West while the SAT was favored by students on the coasts.  However, in today’s competitive application process, many students take both.  In 2011 the number of students taking the ACT exceeded the SAT and these numbers were influential in the decision to change the SAT.

David Coleman, the president of College Board (which administrates the SAT) informed the world that the SAT is going to be redesigned to focus on the “core set of knowledge skills” needed to succeed in high school and college.  The changes are also an attempt to “level out the playing field” and not give wealthier students an advantage from tutors.  College Board wants to close the gap between family income and test scores.

Changes to the test will include:

·The required writing sample will become optional, but colleges will probably still require you to take it.

·You’ll have to back up claims in your writing sample with facts.

·Calculators will not be allowed on all math questions anymore.

·There will be fewer “SAT” words used to make up the test.

·More analysis will be required in the reading section.

·No points will be deducted for wrong answers.

While these changes are being made to help make the test more equitable, education experts are divided about whether or not it will have the impact College Board is looking for. Only time will tell if these changes will make a difference.