Students may have concerns about the redesigned SAT and PSAT/NMSQT. To help students prepare for these tests, we would like to explain the changes in format and spotlight free online resources for study.

The redesigned PSAT/NMSQT will be used in October of this year. However, the redesigned SAT will not be in place until March 2016. The Class of 2016 (rising 12th Grade students) should continue to use the old SAT prep resources available at student.collegeboard.org for testing through January 2016.

We recommend that rising 10th and 11th Grade students create an account on the Khan Academy site at www.khanacademy.org/sat to access their exclusive updated resources for SAT and PSAT prep. Through Khan Academy, students can take a practice test (online or in print) to familiarize themselves with the new format. The practice test enables the site to personalize each student’s test prep experience based on individual results. Students planning to take the PSAT/NMSQT in the fall should use the updated resources from Khan Academy over the summer.

We anticipate exemplary results from our students on the revised tests. Take full advantage of these authorized resources to optimize your testing experience.

Redesigned SAT & PSAT/NMSQT

  • The redesigned SAT is simpler and more aligned with school learning and practical vocabulary.
  • The score scale has been adjusted to 400-1600 points, reflecting two 800-point sections instead of three.
  • There is no longer a negative point penalty for incorrect or “guessed” answers. Correct answers are worth one point; incorrect answers are worth zero.
  • The essay section is no longer required on the redesigned SAT, but students may choose to complete an optional essay, which will be graded separately on a two to eight point scale.
  • The redesigned PSAT/NMSQT has the same section structure and rules as the redesigned SAT.