Hey guys,
I recently learned that the College Board changed the SAT exam and I am freaking out! I am a rising junior and I was hoping to take the SAT once in June of my junior year and if need be once again in October of my senior year along with the SAT subject tests. I was reading other online forums and a lot of people seem to think that it takes the college board a while to work out the kinks and I was wondering whether or not to wait until senior year or just trust the fact that the college board will have given the test two or three times before June. And by the way, I found out that the essay is optional now; does this mean that colleges don’t care whether or not you do the essay?
bump…
can someone please comment…
I would do the essay. And take early, leave time for two retakes if you can. Some students are focusing on the ACT instead; it isn’t a bad plan to take both anyway.
In case you don’t know, you can’t take subject tests on the same date you take the regular SAT. Also, all subject tests are not offered on all test dates.
The new SAT will be first used in March 0f 2016. YOu have plenty of time to take the current one if you prefer. There has been a lot of publicity about the upcoming changes, including on their site. Thak a deep breath, and either take the SAT by Jan 2016 or consider the ACT. Keep in mind that there are some minor changes coming on the ACT (eg essay prompt) as well.
And do the essay. Regardless of whether you take the SAT or ACT.
A lot of colleges (UCs, prestigious universities) REQUIRE the writing section of the new SAT if you take it.
Agree with everyone above but note if you are likely NMSF you will be required to take the SAT (either old or new). You do know that the PSAT is also new and uses the same format as the new SAT?
For what it’s worth, my son plans to take the new SAT in March, hey someone has to be first, and he thinks it might have a more generous curve.