Should I take the current SAT or the redesigned SAT?

Test Preparation
1

I am currently a sophomore in high school. I have good practice scores, but I am wondering about whether it would be best for me to take the redesigned SAT in the spring of 2016 or the current SAT in the winter of 2015. The new SAT might be better because it has no guessing penalty, but I have been practicing for the current SAT. I plan on going to an Ivy League school, and I know that both versions of the SAT will be accepted. Do you have any advice? What are the pros and cons of choosing each type of the SAT. Should I take both?

2

Just try the old one and see if you like it and do well. It won’t hurt you.

3

I would take the old SAT during the Fall of your Junior Year (ideally October) for the following reasons…

  1. You have the entire summer between Sophomore and Junior year to prep without the distraction of school.
  2. Junior year (for most high schools) is typically the toughest year and it usually just gets progressively harder throughout the year. You might as well get the SAT over with by the beginning of Junior year and not have it looming over your head come Spring time when there are other things you're gonna be dealing with: (AP exams, Finals, Extra-curriculars, etc..)
  3. You mentioned that you already have good SAT practice scores so I'm assuming you're already familiar with the current SAT format...so why wait till spring and have to learn an entirely new format when you're familiar with the current one.
  4. Even if you take the SAT in the fall (take the old format), you can always re-take the SAT (new format) in the Spring should you not be happy with your score...However, if you wait till Spring..you won't have the chance to take the old format again.
  5. Getting the SAT over with earlier can free you up to really focus on your academics junior year as its the important year that colleges look at. You can also start thinking about SAT subject tests too.

Hope that Helps.

4

Most people really won’t have an option depending on their graduation year. But the new SAT will be significantly easier and dumbed down.

5

I hadn’t heard this @ricck1. Can you tell us where you read this? That seems rather counter-intuitive. Thanks for any links you can provide.

6

They are eliminating a lot of the vocabulary and grammar. The vocabulary will now only be highly recognizable words to high school students. Also math will only be to the ten grade level.

7

Math is always 10th grade level as no precalc required.

8

Redesigned SAT, much easier.

9

I am also a sophmore and i have no idea how to prepare for it and practice books dont come out for a few months :expressionless: