While the redesigned SAT Reading and Writing sections have garnered a lot of attention (goodbye obscure vocabulary!), when the new test rolls out in 2016 expect the Math Test to be dramatically different as well. Â Here are some of the major changes coming to how Math skills are evaluated on the SAT Math Section:
Less Breadth, More Depth
While the old SAT tried to take a wide-angle lens to students’ math abilities, individual questions rarely required more than a familiarity with arithmetic, basic algebra, and high school geometry to solve.  Most could also be answered in just a step or two.  The new SAT hopes to force students to delve deeper.  Expect to see fewer questions dealing with stand-alone figures and equations and more that involve story problems, advanced math concepts, and multiple steps to solve. Â
More Algebra
You can also count on seeing more algebra.  In fact, one of the four main question focuses of the new SAT Math test is actually referred to as “Heart of Algebra” and highlights the mastery of linear equations and systems.  Two of the other question types, “Problem Solving and Data Analysis” and “Passport to Advanced Math” will also frequently require algebra to solve.
Real-world Application
Traditionally, the SAT math section has been a treasure trove for unusual questions designed to throw unwary students off.  With the latest revision, these “trick” questions will largely be replaced by questions designed to test real world math application.  Infact, instead of asking students to use math in a vacuum, many questions will be framed inside written passages, requiring students to extract the pertinent information and represent it mathematically before solving it.  Â
A greater emphasis on using charts and graphs is another way the SAT hopes to encourage students to connect abstract math concepts to real-world scenarios.
The Extended Thinking Question
Sticking with the theme of real-world applicability, the SAT will now also include what’s being referred to as an “extended thinking question” on each test.  For this part of the exam, several questions will be drawn from a single scenario, giving students the opportunity to delve deeper into the content.
Calculator Questions
Another change to the test involves when calculators can be used.  The test will now be split into two sections: one where you can use calculators and one where you can’t.  Expect to see questions involving more complex reasoning and modeling on the calculator section.  In the no-calculator section, expect to see questions that test math fluency as well as basic techniques and number sense.
Staying the Same
Despite all the changes, some aspects of the test will remain the same.  For example, a list of helpful formulas will continue to be provided.  There will also still be “grid-in” questions where you will need to bubble in your own answer rather than selecting from provided choices.  And while there are more questions on the new SAT Math section, the pace of the test should remain about the same.  The new format allows 80 minutes for 58 questions, compared to the old 70 minutes for 54 questions.  In both cases there’s roughly 1 minute and 20 seconds allotted per question. Â
With so many changes, having access to quality test-prep is more important than ever.  Even if you’ve taken all the right math classes, you may not have encountered very many questions that combine skills in real-world scenarios the way the new SAT test will.  All of our math experts are up-to-date on the latest changes coming to the SAT and know how to help you prepare for the new test format.  Set up an appointment now to meet with one of them to help make sure your score reflects what you’re truly capable of on the math section of the SAT. Â