The SAT and the PSAT have undergone a complete redesign. The new format for the popular college-admissions test— with more skills-based questions and document analysis— doesn’t look much like the PSAT our 10th graders took last fall or the current version of the SAT. That’s why it’s worth $15 to take a ‘test drive’ of the new SAT.Before they take the new exam in the spring, juniors can get a preview with the Oct.14 administration of the redesigned PSAT. The deadline for juniors to register is Sept. 15. (Sophomores also take the PSAT at no charge.)
The new SAT has a sharper focus on what research shows matters most for college and career readiness and success, and is much more closely aligned to the instruction that students see every day in the classroom. The test will be composed of three sections— evidence-based reading and writing, mathematics, and an optional essay. The new SAT will be administered March 5, May 7, and June 4.
Because the two versions of the SAT aren’t comparable, this year’s seniors should take the “old” SAT. Students taking the “old” version of the SAT can register through Sept. 22 for the Oct. 3 administration (late fee applies). Other testing dates include Nov. 7, Dec. 5, and Jan. 23 (the last administration for that version).
Learn more about the changes on College Board’s website on the redesign.
In addition to getting an SAT preview, taking the PSAT in October gives juniors two other benefits:
- A chance to qualify for scholarships: A strong PSAT score could help a student pay for college. More organizations are joining the National Merit Scholarship Foundation and using PSAT scores to select scholarship recipients, including American Indian Graduate Center, Asian and Pacific Islander American Scholarship Fund, Hispanic Scholarship Fund, Jack Kent Cooke Foundation, and United Negro College Fund.
- A free, personalized plan for anytime, anywhere SAT practice: Based on individual results, Khan Academy will develop a personalized plan to help students do their best on the SAT and stay on top of important SAT dates.