New SAT vs Old SAT Format

We’ve got everything you need to know to be prepared. The redesign affects the test’s format, scoring, timing, and more. An optional essay, fewer multiple choice questions, and no penalty for wrong answers are just some of the new features. Get ready for an increased emphasis on critical thinking, problem solving, and data analysis.
Here is a breakdown of the changes to the new SAT format:
Changes
to the SAT |
Old SAT
(current SAT through January 2016) |
New SAT
(available March 2016 and after) |
Scoring |
- 1/4 penalty for wrong answers
- Score is out of 2400
- 800 for Math
- 800 for Reading Comprehension
- 800 for Writing
|
- No wrong-answer penalty
- Score is out of 1600
- 800 for Math
- 800 for Evidence-Based Reading and Writing
- Subscores and insight scores available
- Optional Essay will be scored separately
|
Anatomy |
- 3 Critical Reading sections
- 3 Math sections
- 3 Writing sections
- 10-25 minutes each
- Includes 1 Essay test (25 minutes)
- 1 Experimental test
- 5 answer choices for multiple-choice questions
|
- 1 Evidence-Based Reading and Writing test
- 65-minute Reading section
- 35-minute Language and Writing section
- 1 Math test
- 55-minute section with calculator
- 25-minute section without calculator
- 1 Essay test (optional) – 50 minutes
- 4 answer choices for multiple choice questions
|
Timing |
|
- 3 hours; 3 hours 50 minutes with optional essay
|
Administration |
- Only available in print
- Focused on broad range of content and skills
|
- Available in print and digitally*
- Fewer questions with a greater focus on in-depth analysis of content and evidence
|
Essay |
- Essay is required
- Students have 25 minutes to draft a response
- Quality of reasoning and accuracy of data not tested
- Score combined with multiple-choice Writing section
|
- Essay is optional
- Students have 50 minutes to analyze a 650-750 word document and draft an essay
- Tests reading, analysis, and writing skills; requires students to analyze a source document and explain how the author builds an argument
- Facts matter
- Scored separately
|
Math |
- Focus on wide array of topics
- More emphasis on computational skills
- Calculators permitted for all sections
- Multiple choice and grid-in questions
|
- Concentrated focus on:
- Problem-solving and data analysis
- “The Heart of Algebra”
- “Passport to Advanced Math”
- Real-world problem solving accompanied by informational graphics
- Calculator permitted for 37 questions; not permitted for 20 questions
- Multiple choice and grid-in questions; 1 Item Set grid-in question
|
Reading and Writing |
- Critical Reading
- Sentence Completions
- Passage-based questions
- Passage-based questions from short (100-150 words) and long (400-850 words) passages
- Writing
- Combined score of writing multiple-choice questions and Essay
|
- Evidence-Based Reading
- No Sentence Completions
- Tests understanding of passages from U.S. and World Literature, History/Social Studies, and Sciences (500-750 words)
- Writing and Language
- Tests “Expression of Ideas” and “Standard English Conventions” through passages relating to Careers, History/Social Studies, Humanities, and Science
- All questions pull from extended prose (400-450 words)
|
The New SAT Scoring
The new SAT will return to the 1600-point scale, with the Math and Reading sections scored between 200 and 800, and the optional essay evaluated separately. The ¼-point penalty for wrong answers will be discontinued.

The new scoring model will provide enriched score reports to help you understand your individual strengths and areas for improvement.
Check out the chart below for a breakdown.
Type of Score |
Score Range |
Details |
Total Score |
400-1600 |
- The sum of the two Section scores–Math score + Evidence-Based Reading & Writing score
- The Essay score will be reported separately and is not a part of the Total Score
|
Section Score |
200-800 |
- There are two Section scores – one for Math and one for Evidence-Based Reading & Writing
- The Essay score is scored separately and not included in either Section score
|
Essay |
6-24 |
- The Essay will have three scores – Reading, Writing, and Analysis, each scored between 2 and 8.
|
Test Score |
10-40 |
- There are five Test scores – Math, Reading, Writing & Language, History/Social Studies, and Science
- Two of the Test scores – History/Social Studies and Science – are “Cross-Test Scores”. These scores will reflect how students per- form on specific questions tied to these subjects as seen in both the Math and Evidence-Based Reading & Writing sections.
|
Subscore |
10-40 |
- There are seven Subscores:
▪ Two tied to Reading, Writing & Language
▪ Two tied to Writing & Language only
▪ Three tied to Math
- The Reading, Writing & Language Subscores will reflect how students perform on specific questions tied to Command of Evidence and Relevant Words in Context concepts
- The Writing & Language Subscores will reflect how students perform on specific questions tied to Expression of Ideas and Standard English Conventions concepts
- The Math Subscores will reflect how students perform on specific questions tied to The Heart of Algebra, Passport to Advanced Math, and Problem Solving and Data Analysis concepts
|
SAT At A Glance
SAT Test Tips
Are you ready to take the SAT? How would you score if you take the SAT today? We’ll help you become familiar with what to expect on Test Day with our free practice test options so you can raise your confidence — and your score.
Interested in taking the SAT and want to prepare for it? Our SAT Test Prep courses are here to assist you. Contact us if you need more information.