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 PSAT: New PSAT | PSAT Scoring

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The SAT from 2016 onward

The College Board made content, format, and scoring changes to the SAT in 2016. The redesigned SAT test prioritizes content that reflects the kind of reading and math students will encounter in college and their future work lives. It was first administered in the spring of 2016.

Official test specifications for the new SAT


Old SAT vs. New SAT (2016)

  Old SAT New SAT
Scoring600 - 2400 400 - 1600
Subscore and Cross-test Scores available
Timing3 Hours 45 Minutes 3 Hours (+50 minute optional essay)
Sections
  • Critical Reading: 200-800
  • Writing: 200-800
  • Math: 200-800
  • Essay (included in Writing score)
    		•
  • Evidence-Based Reading and Writing: 200-800
  • Math: 200-800
  • Optional Essay (separately scored)
    		•
    Guessing Penalty 1/4 guessing penalty no guessing penalty
    Format Available in print Available in print or on computer

     

    New SAT Structure

     Evidence-Based Reading and Writing Math
    Sections
  • 65-minute Reading section
  • 35-minute Writing and Language section
    		•
  • 25-minute No Calculator section
  • 55-minute Calculator section
    		•
    Questions
  • 52 Questions (Reading)
  • 44 Questions (Writing and Language)
    		•
  • 20 Questions (No Calculator)
  • 38 Questions (Calculator)
    		•
    Score Range200-800 200-800

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    Timeline of Changes for Test Takers

    The new SAT will have no bearing on students scheduled to graduate in 2015 or 2016. However, for students planning to graduate in 2017 or any year after, the new SAT exam will be the exam they have to take (assuming they would prefer to take the exam no sooner than spring of 2016).

    January 2016Old SAT was administered for the final time.
    March 2016New SAT is administered for the first time.