The Class of 2006 Ushers in the New SAT

By Josh F., '06

After its long anticipated arrival, the new SAT is finally here. What is the difference between the old and new versions do you ask? Well here are the major changes: the test is no longer comprised of a math and a verbal section, instead it has a critical reading, a math and a writing section. Therefore, the highest score possible is now a 2400 (3 sections of 800) instead a 1600. Obviously with this increase in sections comes an increase in the amount of time as well; the test is about 1 hour and 15 minutes longer bringing the total testing time to 3 hours and 45 minutes. The writing section contains grammar in the form of sentence completions, identifying sentence errors and proofreading/editing in addition to the infamous written essay. There are also a few minor changes to the math and verbal sections. For the math section, quantitative comparisons have been eliminated; it is all multiple choice and fill-ins with the addition of more in depth geometry and algebra II topics. The new critical reading section is comparable to the old verbal section. The only major change is the replacement of analogies with short reading comprehension passages. Magnet Junior Alexander M., who took both the old and new versions of the SATs discusses his experiences.

Magnet Attraction: Would you say that the new SAT is harder or easier than the old one?

Alex M.: I would go with "a little easier".

Magnet Attraction: Any reason for that?

Alex M.: For me, I think it was because I took the old ones in December, so I knew what to look out for.

MA: Even with the new writing sections?

AM: It was a little harder. The essay was fine, but I’m just not so hot with the grammar.

MA: Would you say that with the addition of the extra three sections you were any more "drained" by the end of the test then at the end of the old version?

AM: I think I was. Thoroughly fed up and way hungrier.

MA: Are there any test taking skills/strategies that you want to share with the readers?

AM: Pray, pray to your deity of choice that you get a room with a competent proctor.

MA: Thanks for your time.

There you have it: an insider’s opinion the tests. One important part of SATs is preparation. Kaplan and the Princeton Review are two services that offer classes that prepare students for the SAT. In addition, many students use personal tutors provided by private companies or by Kaplan or Princeton Review. Junior Rachel M. who took a Kaplan course and had a private tutor notes, “The course that I took was not very helpful because the teacher did not really know that much about the test. Having a tutor helped me a lot because it forced me to stay on schedule with practice tests and vocabulary. If you are motivated enough to take practice tests and learn the material yourself, then a tutor really isn’t necessary.”

Luckily for us Magnet students, we have our very own teacher instructed SAT prep-class. This year, they met for one hour per section (critical reading, math and writing) each week for two months. But how helpful are these classes? The opinion was split in a poll of students who took the course. One student stated “the writing [class] helped with grammar and told what the essay would be like.” On the other hand, another student complained that while the essay tips where informative, the course lacked individual feedback from the teacher on their essays. A third student said that the classes were “used mostly for practice.”

Whatever form of preparation you choose, taking the SATs is inevitable for most Magnet students. However, there’s always the ACTs!