<p>I am a parent of a rising sophomore and also a math professor. I downloaded and read through the Collegeboard’s document on the changes, and they are substantial, especially in math. The tips and tricks that are outlined in many prep guides will no longer be helpful. The math itself draws heavily from the common core interpretation - lots of stuff on lines, linear functions, application of linear functions, polynomial functions and connections between their zeros, x-intercepts and graphs of polynomial functions. The sample problems I saw were not “plug and chug”, even though they are algebra based. It is more like the ACT math, but feels qualitatively different. At any rate, math prep for the new SAT will be a whole new ball game. </p>
<p>For the verbal portion, students who read widely and write well will still have an advantage, as in the current version. I am happy to see more context oriented tasks in the verbal portion. Students with strong verbal skills, but middling math skills, will find both the ACT and the new SAT a bit of a bummer. In the current version of the SAT, a student with average understanding of math content, but excellent reading comprehension, can “puzzle” through many of the math problems. That will be less likely in the new version.</p>
<p>As a mathematician, I think those “puzzling through the problem” skills are important. But they have little value in going further in math when not accompanied by strong algebraic skills. I am hoping that the test writers can come up with problems which combine both concept building and skills, and I do see a hint of that in the sample document. </p>
<p>It’s been several years since I took the SAT. I’m out of school right now. I just saw the article about the changes.</p>
<p>I think this is just yet another example of the dumbing down of our society and culture, and the SAT changes reflect this. Easier vocabulary words that are more relevant? They mean unimaginative words that make one a perfect corporate tool, which is an ideal citizen in our society. No more words like prevaricator? They mean no more words that make one sound educated and literate. Can’t have that. Real world math problems with charts and graphs? Perfect for someone measuring Exxon profits. Heaven forbid we ask questions that measure novel mathematical insight or problem-solving skills, the kinds of abilities intelligent people have. Founding documents? I won’t even comment on that. </p>
<p>It’s too bad the college board is so quick to conform. The SAT should resist the dumbing down of the iPhone generation, and should stand as a model for academic rigor. I remember the good old days of analogies and quantitative comparisons, items that actually measured reasoning. </p>
<p>This change marks the final stake in the heart of the SAT. Rest in peace.</p>
<p>I guess we can assume that colleges won’t look so harshly into SAT as being a more important factor now, than GPA or EC (not sure, just assuming haha)</p>
<p>who would agree with me that the new SAT would be more difficult for younger test takers? Taking the SAT before high school, students wouldn’t have the knowledge of the high school curriculum. </p>
<p>@vniatge Ohh okay, but I’m pretty sure that some sections, if not all, will be simplified (not too much). But you know, the vocab for critical reading something to do with the structure of its paragraphs</p>
<p>I am ordering this book on the new SAT. The reviews are positive, it looks good from the excerpts, it is by a premium tutoring company, so it shouldn’t be junk, and it is the only book out there now.</p>
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something to do with the structure of its paragraphs</p>