New SAT Exam Coming in 2024
The College Board recently announced that they will be revamping the SAT in 2024. The new SAT will be offered on the computer in testing centers. The test will be shortened from three hours to two hours and allow a calculator for all math questions. The test will also be dynamic, meaning that the questions will change depending on whether a test taker answers questions correctly or incorrectly. While much is still unknown about the new test, some test experts expect SAT to feature questions that more closely align with the current ACT question formats. For students applying to college before or in 2024 (current sophomore and juniors), this will not affect your testing plans. We will continue to monitor proposed changes for younger students and share additional updates as we learn of them.
Based on this change, we expect the ACT will also transition to a digital format, as the ACT is currently offered via computer outside the United States. Despite these changes, the UC and Cal State systems will still not accept either the SAT or ACT as part of their admissions processes. Initial results in the first cycle of test-optional college admissions revealed that 75% of students admitted to highly selective colleges, did submit test scores. For students interested in the most selective colleges, these changes do not affect our recommendation that a competitive test score for a college that accepts them can help an applicant make the case for admission. We also believe that test scores that exceed the school’s averages can also increase a student’s likelihood of receiving any available merit scholarships. These changes should also serve as a reminder to current underclassmen who are thinking about taking the SAT or ACT in the future. The Summer is an ideal time to prepare for these exams without the pressure of a full course load or slate of extracurricular activities. Testing strategies are unique to each applicant and we are happy to individual specific college entrance exams in upcoming counseling sessions.