Hello everybody! Here is a thread to post about the new SAT and information surrounding it! What are they changing? How are you preparing and studying? Etc. Etc. Also to share thoughts, opinions, anything!
I just registered to take it on March 5th, the first testing cycle of the updated SAT. I’m quite nervous, though I’m a pretty strong test-taker. I’m probably going to invest in their “official” review book for the new test, since there are no others out there. This is also my first time taking the SAT. I’ve heard that they’re taking out esoteric vocabulary… is that all? It doesn’t bother me too much, but I know some people rely heavily on the vocabulary. I’m also planning on taking the ACT this year.
I’m a junior, first time taking the SAT. Scored 1369 on the PSAT this year and scored in the 98th percentile… I also took it last year, but I forgot my scores. Also took the ACT the summer before eighth grade, scored a 23 I think? I’m not positive. That score doesn’t bother me much, though, as it was just a qualification factor for the Duke TIP program. Any tips on my first “real” round of standardized testing? I’ve already purchased the “official” review book for the ACT.
@Earthlingo If you took the PSAT in Oct 2015, that’s the new version of the redesigned SAT which starts in Mar 2016. So, you already got a feel for the new test…I’m sure the SAT is a little harder than the PSAT. They did get rid of the obscure vocab. section on the new test because it was not on the Oct PSAT. I heard the essay will be longer than the old SAT though. You can go on college board website, I think they have some practice tests.
You reported 1369 for PSAT. Do you mean 1360, scores are in increments of 10’s. Also, what is your selection index and what state are you? I’m collecting juniors’ PSAT test scores as there is a forum estimating state cutoffs for NMSF’s. Thanks.
@SLparent I recalled wrong, I have a 1350 on the PSAT. My selection index was either 207 or 201, one of the two numbers lol. I’ll go check in a bit. I’m in South Carolina.
I took a practice test (I’m a freshman) and got 680 Reading (9 errors grammar, 9 errors reading comp) and 760 Math. Proud of math, but the reading section could use work… trying to get 1570+ for straight med programs.
TIPS FOR MATH: Study however much you need to to get A’s in math classes until Algebra II, and then study SAT questions for the unit. It will make it less stressful and accumulative to review everything later.
TIPS FOR ENGLISH: Idk, I didn’t do too hot, but I’ve heard reading “literally” meaning read as if it were something in the news or something. I’ll try it next time.
@neophite Honestly, the English section for me had improved greatly over the course of me taking the PSAT because of honors and AP English courses… once you take an AP English or two, you will notice tremendous growth. It’s also a lot of instinct, I guess; I can’t really explain why a lot of the answers are right, and most people I’ve spoken to can’t unless they actually teach grammar courses and know names of different syntax patterns and such. Math for me is a tough subject, so I’ll definitely study for that some more, haha.
@Earthlingo the AP english courses are only offered in junior and senior years at my school, so I don’t have that benefit but I do think I need to be more instinctive…
1420 on the PSAT. 720 English, 700 Math.
I only missed two on writing, but IMO the English section in general on the new PSAT/SAT is much harder than the old one - although if you’re skilled at understanding grammar and vocabulary in context, and you have a good grasp of reading comprehension with strong rhetorical analysis skills, you’ll do fine.
For math, it’s more strictly “by-the-book” than was the math section on the old PSAT/SAT. However, it can still be relatively confusing, and because it does begin to incorporate more trigonometry & Algebra II concepts, brush up on those. I did the worst on Problem Solving & Data Analysis, as did many of the people I talked to - so basic statistics/probability/data sets are also a good thing to focus on as well. The calculator section was, ironically, much harder than the no calculator section for me HAHA.
@neophite I’m a junior, and my English score improved from the 88th percentile to the 98th percentile this year, and I didn’t study for the PSAT or anything. It’ll definitely benefit you when you’re at those levels… our school does the same with AP English. Honestly? I would say to save the SAT and ACT for when you’re a higher level, as they only look at the first few times you take it… yes, you get unlimited tries, but they only look at the first couple, so you wanna make the most out of them!
@desideratum Awesome job, man! Honestly, I always have a lot more trouble on calculator portions of math tests and quizzes, except for in trig situations. Knowing the whole SOHCAHTOA rule really helps, and they’re easy for me to visualize… I also get a lot of practice in forensics with trajectory and ballistics, lol. Math in general has never really been my strong suit, but I feel it getting better. Our school has pushed honors and AP, or really generally advanced classes for forever. Even our “average” classes are above average significantly, so if you even pay attention in class you’ll score decently here, I guess, so I try not to be so hard on myself about my small struggle with math.
@penngirlpending My initial opinion of Khan Academy has faded away because I have started to rely on them for math help and now SAT prep. It’s less stress for me to have everything I need in one place.
Any Sophomores planning on taking the new SAT this year? I’m not sure if I should for extra practice.
@Hamlon I’m planning on taking the SAT as a sophomore next year. The new reading and writing portions vibe with me real well, so I’m actually sort of looking forward to it!
but I do think I need to be more instinctive…