The SAT, a standardized test that many universities in the U.S. consider as a part of the admissions application, has recently announced several updates to its policies. Here are the key changes to be aware of:
- Digital Format Transition: Since 2024, the SAT has been administered entirely online, aiming to streamline the testing process and improve accessibility.
- Shorter Test Duration: The test duration has been reduced from three hours to two hours, making it less taxing for students.
- Adaptive Testing: The new SAT will employ adaptive testing technology, where the difficulty of questions adjusts based on the test-taker’s performance.
- Faster Score Reporting: Scores will now be available within days rather than weeks, allowing students to receive their results more quickly.
- Expanded Free Test Prep Resources: The College Board is offering more free resources, including practice tests and study guides, to help students prepare effectively.
- Optional Essay Section Removed: The SAT will no longer include an optional essay section, as it was found to be less predictive of college success compared to other parts of the test.
- Increased Testing Dates: Additional testing dates have been added to the calendar to provide more flexibility for students in scheduling their exams.
These updates reflect a significant shift in the SAT’s approach, emphasizing accessibility, efficiency, and relevance to current educational needs.
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