Do I have to take the New SAT?
I'm in the class of 2006 and my target schools will accept either test. Which test is right for me?
What are the most drastic changes being made?
What's this about Algebra II?
How will my essay be graded?
Will the perfect score still be 1600?
So how can I get ready for the new test?

Do I have to take the new SAT?
That depends. If you’re in the class of 2005, you’re off the hook. Those of you in the class of 2007, on the other hand, will definitely be taking the new test. If you’re in the middle (the class of 2006), then check with your target schools. You might be able to take either one, but some schools will require you to take the new SAT.

I’m in the class of 2006 and my target schools will accept either test. Which test is right for me?
If you’re genuinely panicked at the prospect of the essay, then register early and take the old SAT while you still can. However, we recommend that you take both. You’ll double your chances of doing well.

What are the most drastic changes being made?
Of course, there’s the essay—but that’s not the whole story. The writing section will also contain multiple choice grammar questions. The Verbal section will be renamed “Critical Reading.” You may be relieved to learn that both analogies and quantitative comparisons are being eliminated from the test! In their place, you'll find short reading passages and some Algebra II.

What’s this about Algebra II?
Don’t panic! Although the new SAT will test some tough new concepts from Algebra II, these questions will only be about 20% of the math questions you’ll see. Besides, you’ll have studied this content relatively recently, so the test really isn’t getting harder.

How will my essay be graded?
First things first—you don’t need any specific outside knowledge to do well on this part of the test, and no points will be deducted based on opinion. Several readers will evaluate your writing for structure, grammar, and organization. If there’s a wide range of scores between graders, your essay will be independently reviewed.

Will the perfect score still be 1600?
To reflect the addition of the writing section, the new perfect score will be 2400. Each section—Math, Critical Reading, and Writing—will be graded on a scale of 200-800 points. In addition, you’ll receive sub-scores for both the essay and the multiple-choice grammar questions.

So how can I get ready for the new test?
Watch this summer for our New SAT Online Course, which will include personalized lessons, tutoring, full-length practice exams, essay-scoring, and much more! Call 877-TEST-PREP to learn more about everything Peterson’s has planned to prepare you for the new exam.

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