After a decade of consistency, the CollegeBoard released the “new SAT” March 2016. Now,
there are two main sections of the SAT: the evidence-based reading and writing section and the
math section, each worth 800 points. The reading and writing section is no longer heavy in
advanced vocabulary. It consists passages and informational graphics (charts, tables and graphs).
You’ll use the passages and graphs to answer questions. The math section tests on abilities in
Algebra, Geometry and Trigonometry. The two scores from these sections are added together to
generate a scaled score out of 1600.
For the essay portion, the students are given 50 minutes to interpret a source text and write an
analytical essay on the given text. The essays are given a score ranging from 2-8 and these scores
are not calculated into the overall 1600 scores.
To prepare for the essay and reading section, I teach students the necessary skills and essential
knowledge needed to excel. I review active reading skills, question interpretation and grammar.
For the math section, they will have a chance to review and learn math skills needed. For the
essay portion of the test, I help students learn to interpret the given text and write an analytical
essay, focusing on the specific grading rubric given by The CollegeBoard.