<p>My child has just decided to do a gap year, moving her college-start from fall 2016 to fall 2017. She’s timing her first SAT for Jan 2016, the old version of the SAT test, and her second try the following year, in January 2017 with the new version (during the gap year). She doesn’t yet know a lot about the changes in the new test. Would she be safe to study for the Jan. 2016 SAT format/content and not bother with any prep for the new version at all? Anybody have insight at this point? </p>
<p>The New SAT is much easier, + There’s always the act. <a href=“Home – SAT Suite of Assessments | College Board”>https://www.collegeboard.org/delivering-opportunity/sat/redesign</a></p>
<p>Nobody, except for ETS, KNOWS if the new SAT will be easier, let alone much easier. The above statement is pure speculation. The basic preparation for the current SAT will be useful for the new version. There is no reason to worry at this time. Check the changes in the PSAT.</p>
<p>Thanks, folks. </p>
<p>The new one could be easier for some students, harder for others. But that means it can be an opportunity to take one each of the old and new one, in case the given student is one of those where it makes a significant difference (like with the SAT vs. ACT).</p>
<p>@xiggi they released some of the new questions, which is exponentially easier.+ They made it 4 choices instead of 5, so it’s easier to guess. On the Other side, the curve will probably be harder now.</p>
<p>Interesting! Thanks.</p>
<p>Easier or more difficult does not really matter. The scores are based on curves and percentile. The question is when will your child take the gap year and will she dedicate the time in the gap year to prepare for the test? It would hard to double the effort and take the test in 2 different format otherwise. Perhaps she should prepare to take the March test as her first attempt which would be in the new format already.</p>
<p>@dyiu13
I would not advise her to prep for both, since they will be very different tests. It would be an unnecessary dispersal of her efforts. When will she be able to start seriously prepping?</p>
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<p>I have viewed the released questions when they came out. The number of choices does not make the test easier; people who have to rely on guessing will still have trouble finding the correct answer. In a test where every wrong answer has a great impact on the final score, the odds of 20 versus 25 percent are simply deceptive. </p>
<p>And, again, the currently available questions are simply indicative of what might be included in the future, and not worthy of a debate at this stage. And especially not about how hard or easy it will be to earn a high score. </p>
<p>@testadvice She has started prepping for Oct 2014 PSAT (which I’m assuming will not have a new format before spring 2015) as well as for SAT and ACT in general. Daily questions and practice sections/tests on weekends. More intensive home prep is planned over the summer. After the fall PSAT, she’d move on to the Jan. 2015 SAT, then take the ACT later that spring. Then, a hiatus until the 2nd go at SAT and ACT in spring 2016. </p>
<p>@billcsho “Perhaps she should prepare to take the March test as her first attempt which would be in the new format already.” Hmmm. I hadn’t thought of that. Delay the first SAT attempt until the new format is offered. I guess I’m nervous about a first-go with a new format without established (tried and true?) test-prep material. Something to think about. And, yes, her gap year (June 2016-Aug 2017) will be all about academic prep (long story). </p>
<p>@dyiu13</p>
<p>Why is she doing long-term prep for both the current SAT and the ACT? </p>
<p>If you split your efforts like that it will prevent her from reaching her highest possible score on either test. Meanwhile, you achieve nothing in return. I would have her take a full-length mock for the ACT and the SAT, once she has been briefly acquainted with both tests. That way, she will know which one to take. </p>
<p>@ testadvice - She’s a busy kid with lots of LDs and learning issues. So, a long march seems to be the better plan. The test prep is also serving to fill in academic gaps, so it’s dual purpose. We are actually just at that point now of figuring out which test (the current SAT or the ACT) suits her better. It’s leaning toward the ACT, but we’re still teasing that out. You know, it would be great if she “sided” with the ACT, then we wouldn’t have to even deal with the switch in the format/content of the SAT. I’d say we’ll have a firm sense of ACT v. SAT by the end of June — in time for the summer prep season. Thanks for helping me think this through! </p>
<p>So she would be taking the PSAT in the old format in Junior year? That may change the game plan a little bit. Although PSAT play little role in admission, it may be critical for getting some merit aid. I am not sure if you are aiming for that. Anyway, preparation for ACT simultaneously is a good strategy.</p>
<p>@billcsho Yes, in Oct 2014, she’ll be a junior and her district gives juniors the PSAT for the first time. I guess the PSAT will still be using the old format this year, correct? We’re not hotly targeting merit aid through PSAT scores, but the higher the scores, the better, I guess. Now that I think of it, her district also gives juniors a state test that somehow “includes” the ACT in spring (April 2015 for her). I would guess that state test ACT would count. Jeeze. You’d think testing scheduling would be straightforward enough, but…not so much. </p>
<p>That test schedule is quite typical, but the preparation schedule is the challenging part. Yes, I think the 2014 PSAT will still be in the old format as the old format of SAT will be through their senior year until the end of application cycle. Also, for the ACT in Spring 2015, it will definitely be counted. My D actually only took the state mandated ACT and received the target score. Having the test score by the end if Junior year is very helpful and it is great if it is free. It seems your kid should start preparing for both tests this Summer disregarding taking a gap year or not. Since the PSAT will be in the old format, so it will be inevitably to do some SAT practice in the old format this Summer. After all, there is no new SAT material available yet. Since the ACT is mandated in your State (over 1/5 states are), she should put more focus on the ACT preparation this Summer. Who knows, may be she is ready by next April and gets a good score. Then she does not need to prepare for the new SAT. </p>
<p>@dyiu13 - You’re welcome. I’d also base the decision on a full-length practice test for both exams. That’s the true test of which one is “her” test. Make sure to apply for accommodations early on (since you said she’s an LD student).
@Vandalizer
You would have loved the old SAT (pre-2005)</p>
<p>Yep, I’m now keeping my fingers crossed she does well on PSAT and on the state-required ACT. Then, maybe she’d be done. Pie in the sky, but…maybe! </p>