Hey guys, I've seen lots of posts talking about how the past SAT was different than the current one. Can anyone explain the main differences between the two and if it's beneficial to study the past SAT tests while prepping for the current SAT? Thanks in advance!
Hey! Great question. There have been some significant changes to the SAT over the years, including a recent shift to a fully digital format in Spring 2024. Here are the main differences between the past and current SAT:
1. Format: The current SAT is entirely digital, whereas the past SAT was a paper-and-pencil exam.
2. Scoring: The past SAT had a maximum score of 2400, with three sections (Critical Reading, Math, and Writing) each worth 800 points. As of 2016, the SAT switched to a maximum score of 1600, with two sections (Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, and Math) each worth 800 points. The essay section was optional but discontinued in 2021.
3. Structure: The past SAT had a no-calculator section in the Math portion of the exam. However, with the transition to digital in 2024, the current SAT allows calculator use on both Math modules.
4. Time: Previously, the SAT took around 3 hours to complete (3 hours and 50 minutes if you included the essay). The current digital SAT now takes around 2 hours and 14 minutes to complete, with different timing allocations per section.
5. Question Types: The past SAT was notorious for its challenging vocabulary questions and an emphasis on "tricky" questions. The current SAT, after its 2016 revamp, focuses more on evidence-based reading and writing and evaluating real-world scenarios.
With these changes in mind, it's best to study using current SAT materials aligned with the digital format. The past SAT may not be the most effective resource for studying, as you might spend unnecessary time on question types and content not present in the current version. However, it could still be helpful to practice certain mathematical concepts or specific sections that haven't changed significantly, but make sure to prioritize studying using the updated format and question types.
The College Board and other SAT resources have plenty of updated practice tests and prep materials for the digital SAT. Khan Academy is a particularly helpful resource for free and comprehensive online SAT prep aligned with the current exam. Good luck with your SAT preparation!
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