@pckeller I have seen at least 1 actual (current or possibly pre-2004) SAT problem where you had to actually solve the system (but you only needed to find one variable). Just adding or subtracting the equations didn’t work. In this problem the first 2 skills I mentioned above were being tested, but not the third. This problem was an anomaly however - I haven’t seen one in quite a while. I do always teach my super-advanced students how to do Gauss-Jordan reduction on their calculator as a precaution (only students going for an 800).
Based on the information I have read from the College Board I am fairly certain of 3 things (let’s say 90%):
(1) the College Board still intends to put systems of equations on the test where applying a simple operation like addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division will give the answer quickly.
(2) the College Board will also have systems of equations that need to be solved completely.
(3) there will be many more multi-step problems (especially at the higher levels) where students will be expected to complete more than 2 tasks (with more than 2 different skills) in a single problem.
I should perhaps phrase it this way - at this moment in time the College Board probably intends to do these things. It is entirely possible that the College Board may change their mind about certain things after looking over the data they receive from the experimental sections on these last few and next few SATs. As test prep professionals the best we can do is keep our eyes on all information and sample problems as they are released, and continue to adjust accordingly as we acquire new information.
Does anyone know when “the point of no return” is for creating an SAT? For example, by what date will the March 2016 SAT be written, and is there a last date when the test can no longer be modified?