How does the new SAT affect you?
The new SAT test makes a debut in March 2016. The new test has several noteworthy new formatting changes. The development of the new SAT test will place an emphasis on the reading and math that students will encounter in college. For a detailed breakdown of these changes visit https://sat.ivyglobal.com/new-vs-old/.
Other changes include how the test is scored, the length of the test, optional essay requirements, penalties for guessing on questions, and the ability to take the test on paper or digitally. You may ask, “how are university admissions viewing the new test?” and, “Can you combine test scores prior to March with those taken after?”
University testing policies are changing for students entering school for the fall 2017 (current juniors) semester. Many universities are not requiring the optional essay on the new SAT, so as a result admissions will now accept both versions of the ACT (with and without writing). Admissions will also take the existing SAT as well as the new SAT, which will be offered for the first time in March. Scoring on both tests will go back to the 1600 scale. Also, important to note that these new rules do NOT apply to any late freshman applications for Fall 2016. The notice below is from the Boston University admissions website:
New SAT policy for students applying for September 2017 admission:
Boston University will not require the optional essay on the new SAT test. Additionally, we will no longer require the optional writing component for the ACT. BU will accept both the old SAT and the new SAT for one year only; after that, only the new SAT will be accepted.
