Comparison of current and Redesigned SAT (3/16)

Three section scores:

1. Critical Reading
2. Writing
3. Math (through Algebra II) 

Two Section scores:

1. Evidence-Based Reading and Writing
2. Math (through Trig)

Required at beginning of test– 25 minutes

Score contributes to Writing score

Optional – at end -Increased time to 50min

Has a separate score

Duration & Format

Standard all 3 hours and 45 minutes

Available ONLY in print

Variable length depending on Essay:

1. short without the Essay – 3 hours
2. long with Essay – 4 hours

Available in print and digitally

• Complex scoring: points for correct answers; penalties for wrong answers; no points for unanswered
• There are no sub-scores
• Section Scores (R, M, W) are on a 200 - 800 scale

Maximum score is 2400 

• Simpler scoring: points for correct answers; No penalties for wrong answers; no points for unanswered
• There will be more detailed info with  sub-scores for each section: Reading, Writing and Math (10-40) and even some sub-scores across disciplines
• Scores for each section (1- Evidence Reading and Writing; and 2- Math) are on a 200-800 scale
• Maximum score of 1600

Multiple segments for Reading (3) and Writing (2) with Section scores within a total of 130 minutes (excluding the essay)

Emphasis has been on reasoning skills and vocabulary in limited context

Sentence completion and passage based questions

Segments for Reading and Writing are combined into one score that takes 100 minutes together

Continued emphasis on reasoning, with a focus on knowledge skills 

Meaning of words in extended context and how word choice affects meaning, tone and impact

Three segments of Math – allowing calculator for a total of 70 minutes

Math problems traditionally solved in one step

Two segments of Math: one with calculator (55 min.) and one without calculator (25 min.) for a total of 80 minutes

Many more problems in Math section require multiple steps with emphasis on problem solving and data analysis