The eNotes Blog The 5 Big SAT Changes You Need toKnow

The 5 Big SAT Changes You Need toKnow High school freshmen and sophomores will take a new version of the SAT in 2016. Heres a run-down of what they can expect and how to prepare. Last month, we covered in depth what you could expect from the new SAT coming in 2016 (in a post you can read here). But now that the changes to this 88 year-old exam are making the media rounds once more, we wanted to take a quick minute to recap the biggest adjustments, and hopefully provide some clarity  in the process. So, here are the 5 big changes to come to  the SAT in two years time: No more SAT essay! The essay section will become  optional No more SAT words! The test will quiz students on relevant words instead of obscure ones No more point deductions for incorrect answers! Which means no penalties for guessing Fewer questions!  The test will shrink from 171 to 153 questions (52 in reading, 44 in writing and language and 57 in math) And lastly, the 1600-point system will return making the 2400-point test a mere blip in the radar for a select few But before you jump out of your seat with joy, future high school junior, you should read our in-depth analysis of the changes and how theyll affect your test-preparation here. Just because $5 SAT words are out, doesnt mean you dont need to learn strategy to handle unfamiliar vocabulary. AND just because the SAT essay will be optional does not  mean you shouldnt take it. In essence, the SAT is going to look almost identical to the ACT, so the best way to prepare for these changes is to look into  its counterpart. In fact, more and more colleges regard the ACT as  equal to the SAT, though students tend to score better on the former than the latter. Which leads one to wonder, why are we still placing so much emphasis on the SAT? Our advice: take both and go with the test youre better suited to. Have questions about either standardized test? Or thoughts  on the changes? Leave us a comment and well help you with your test-prep!