Class of 2018 - Stuck with the new SAT, great!

So, basically class of 2017 will be in a good spot because they’ll be able to take the old SAT junior year, then if they don’t do well for some reason they can take the new one senior year I guess? But I’m basically stuck, because if I wanted to take the old one, I’d need to do that sophomore year, and I wouldn’t be able to retake.

The reason why I care so much is because the new sat is supposedly 10x harder and not as easy to study for (even though I’m still just a freshman, lol). Do you guys think the ACT would be a better choice…especially for a finance/econ/business major? Is it as easy to perfect score it for application to an Ivy League?

The new SAT is definitely not harder than the older one. If anything, it’s much more easier.

You could take the old SAT next year if you wanted to before they switch to the new one. I’ve heard of 7th graders taking the SAT. Why would you not be able to retake it?

@DarkEclipse‌ Have you seen the questions? It’s a lot like the current PARCC test that many high schoolers will be forced to take. There’s a lot harder reader comprehension skills and even in the math sections, pre-calculus is required (which I’ll only be starting next year since I’m taking Algebra II in the summer).

No no, it’s just that if I take the test sophomore year it’ll be the last SAT score…I wouldn’t be able to take another one to raise the score. All I’d be able to do is take the new one, which I don’t believe would override my old one.

If you started studying now, then you’d be prepared enough to take the old one at least twice, which is the amount most people take it. I haven’t really looked into the new version, but if it does include pre-calc (like you said), then why not study now and take it in September and January? Since you’re taking Alg II over the summer, that would give you all the math you need when it comes to the fall. It is not that hard of a test, its what you make of it. Anyone can get a score 2000+ if you put the time into studying and view strategies involving time, reading, etc. Idk, that’s just my advice.

The new SAT is actually good news. It prevents, at least for couple of years, the pressure to over prepare for it.

I’ve seen it, and honestly, it’s a lot easier than the old one. At least, the CR and math sections are. The math section covers more topics, which reduces the chances of focusing on one particular section. Plus, the penalty is removed, which is a huge bonus.
It may be harder for you, because difficulty varies from person to person.

@DarkEclipse‌ Alright, I’m going with your advice for now…but I still had my old SAT book that I bought a few months ago. And I was curious. I took the test, and got a 1950 x_x I was thinking about using the book to continue to improve my score, especially my ghastly CR score, but I didn’t know if studying to the old sat test would be counterproductive in preparation for the new one. What do you think?

@cbarkachi‌ What I would suggest is that you study for the old one for now. You’ve got 6 SAT dates ahead of you, that is, until January 2016. 1950 is a good score for your first try. Just keep practicing the old SAT, and give it once or twice this year. If you’re happy with your score(s) - great! If not, you can give it another shot, if you want to. Preparing for the old one won’t hurt your preparation for the new one, although you’ll have to check College Board’s website for what additional topics you might need to study for.
Long story short: study for the old one, give it a once or twice this year, and if you’re still not satisfied, switch gears by the end of this year and study for the new one. You won’t have to worry too much.

@DarkEclipse‌ Thanks for the advice, but I was just worried that if I take it and let’s say get a not-so-good score, how would that work out for submitting an application (new score vs old score showing up) – I know they usually just see your highest SAT score but since it’s on a different scale…

@DarkEclipse‌ Don’t worry about that, colleges will still see your highest score regardless of the scale. And you can estimate your score by doing a practice test. Then study for it hard, until your score goes up, and you’ll be ready for the SAT.

@DarkEclipse‌ Thanks for all the help lol! If I’m let’s say (of course a big reach since I’ll only be doing one real test) at a 2250 on my practice tests by fall of sophomore year, then I know taking the old one will not be a problem.

@cbarkachi‌ No problem. Good luck!