30 Jun Crack the New SAT
If you’re planning to study in the States, then you should know that the SAT exam is a MUST for admission and more importantly, for SCHOLARSHIPS!
What you may not know is the SAT completely changed recently! And when we say change, we don’t mean one or two minor tweaks, we mean a MAJOR OVERHAUL that will definitely take some getting used to.
Don’t let the new SAT cost you MILLIONS of dollars and the chance of a lifetime to study abroad! Pay attention: we know all the tricks to crack the NEW SAT!
What’s the SAT?
In short, the Scholastic Assessment Test or SAT, administered by College Board, is an American college entrance exam normally taken by high school students.
What’s the change?
The last time the SAT changed was 2005 when the test’s structure and scoring were revised. This time will be no different, but the question is, will you be prepared?
LET’S COMPARE…
| NEW SAT | OLD SAT | |
| Scoring | 400 – 1600 | 600 – 2400 |
| Timing | 3 hours (+ 50 minutes optional essay) | 3 hours and 45 minutes |
| Sections |
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| Guessing Penalty | No penalty | ¼ mark penalty for wrong answers |
| Format | Available in print or on computer | Available in print |
The “Big 8” Changes
- Updated vocabulary
- Evidence-based thinking
- Optional essay writing
- Three key Math areas
- Explaining real-world problems
- Science reading passages
- Reading passages on famous documents
- No wrong answer penalty
NEW STRUCTURE…
| Section | Evidence-based Reading and Writing | Mathematics |
| Timing |
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| Content and Questions |
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| Scoring | 200 – 800 points | 200 – 800 points |
What are the new sections like?
Math
One of the most concerning changes about the SAT is the elimination of the use of calculators in one of the math sections. Previously, the calculator was allowed in all three sections. The math sections are expected to increase in difficulty as the new exam de-emphasizes geometry, includes more algebra and data analysis and introduces pre-calculus and trigonometry. The new math section is focused more on DEPTH than BREADTH! Students will have less topics to worry about, but will need to know more difficult, in-depth concepts.
Reading
In terms of timing and endurance, this is probably one of the most difficult changes of the SAT. The reading section now includes one historic document, known as the Global Conversation or Founding Document Passage. These documents could be drawn from either US History or World History.
Essay
One of the changes most students will surely look forward to is the elimination of a mandatory essay section. The new optional essay will be 50 minutes in length and students will have to critically analyze a provided passage, including how the author develops his/her arguments and how the author uses evidence. Students will no longer be communicating their own views on a certain topic.
Why the change?
The change was seen as necessary when the number of ACT test takers surpassed the number of SAT test takers in 2012 for the first time in history.
In addition to aligning exam content more with the Common Core, College Board’s decision to restructure the exam is an effort to make the SAT more competitive with the ACT in order to regain the market share it has lost over the past few years.
How will international students be affected?
Sadly, international students will have to expect more US-focused material, specifically in the reading section. While the section will not test US History directly, this change could pose a challenge to international students as many may not be as familiar with the documents, language and context as American students are.
If international students encounter a US Founding document in the reading section, there’s a strong chance it could contain old-fashioned words, language and syntax, which could prove difficult for students whose second language is English.
What should you do to crack the SAT?
It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3…
- Come to AIM to stay ahead in the SAT game!
- Practice! Practice! Practice!
- Win! Win! Win!
At AIM, we’re working hard to always stay abreast of the SAT changes and prepare our students for the new test! Our classes are rigorous and results-driven! Summer class registration is underway and spots are going fast! Visit our website to register NOW!
SAT Course details
- 12 3-hour classes (LOTS AND LOTS OF PRACTICE!)
- 7 mock exams (MAJOR KEY TO HIGHER SCORES!)
- 20 students max per class (HURRY HURRY HURRY AND SIGN UP!)
#StayWinning #CollegeDreamsComeTrueWithAIM
