Old vs new sat
The SAT!
The SAT has undergone significant changes over the years, with the most recent updates being introduced in 2016. Here's a brief comparison between the old and new SAT:
Old SAT (pre-2016)
- Score range: 600-2400 (math and verbal sections)
- Three main sections: Math, Verbal, and Writing
- Math section tested basic algebra, geometry, and trigonometry
- Verbal section tested vocabulary, reading comprehension, and grammar
- Writing section tested essay writing and multiple-choice grammar questions
- Optional essay section
- Scored on a scale of 600-2400, with a perfect score being 2400
New SAT (2016-present)
- Score range: 200-1600 (Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (ERW) and Math sections)
- Four main sections: Reading, Writing and Language, Math (with a calculator), and Math (without a calculator)
- Math section tests more advanced math concepts, including algebra II, trigonometry, and data analysis
- Reading and Writing and Language sections test reading comprehension, vocabulary, and grammar
- No separate Writing section; essay is now an optional section
- Scored on a scale of 200-1600, with a perfect score being 1600
Key changes:
- Simplification of scoring: The new SAT has a more straightforward scoring system, with a single score out of 1600.
- Emphasis on evidence-based reading and writing: The new SAT places more emphasis on reading comprehension and evidence-based writing.
- More advanced math: The new SAT tests more advanced math concepts, making it more challenging for students.
- Optional essay: The essay section is now optional, whereas it was previously required.
- No separate writing section: The writing section has been eliminated, and the essay is now an optional section.
Overall, the new SAT is designed to better reflect the skills and knowledge students need to succeed in college and careers.