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Parents of High Schoolers:
What you Need to Know About the New SAT
TEXT Vinay Bhawnani & Shawn Sell
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F
or those new to the college-admissions process, the SAT and
ACT are the two standardized tests used by most colleges
and universities throughout the country (some are test-
optional). In March 2016, students will be taking a newly
redesigned SAT.

10. Points will no longer be deducted for incorrect answers, and
only four answer choices will be offered instead of five, with no
experimental section.

Here’s some advice for current high school juniors to consider when
deciding which test to take, when to take it and the need for future
tests: • Take a practice test to determine which one is best suited to
you. Many students end up taking both the SAT and ACT.

• Consider taking either or both tests at least once during junior
year. Then make time during the summer to focus on one test
and take it again in the fall.

• Find out the super-scoring policy of the schools to which you
will apply. Schools will NOT superscore between the old and
the new SAT. (Fewer schools superscore the ACT than the SAT.)
• If you need to take SAT Subject Test(s) (based on specific
college application requirements) schedule these carefully
because they are often offered on the same dates as the SAT.

• For the SAT, order the Q&A service whenever available to
track and review the mistakes you made. With this service,
College Board will send your test, your answers and the correct
answers about a month later.

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Here are the top 10 updates for the new SAT:
1. The new SAT reportedly aligns better with the curriculum that
students are exposed to in public schools.

2. More reading will be required of students across all sections of
the test.

3. Reading selections will be more fact-based, and students will be
required to justify some answers.

4. Grammar questions will be presented in a content paragraph
format instead of single-sentence questions.

5. The vocabulary test will focus on words that are less esoteric
and more commonly used in the “real world.”
6. The essay will be optional, which is a choice now similar to
the ACT essay. Although many colleges and universities will
require the SAT essay, it will be scored separately from the rest
of the test.

7. Math sections will test fewer topics, but will reach a higher level
and require a deeper understanding of the content.

8. Calculators will NOT be allowed on one math section (this
may be a problem for many students who rely heavily on the
calculator). 9. The test is now scored out of 1600 points (800 Math/800
Reading). Pleas
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Loudoun Test Prep is a local, full-service tutoring and college test-prep company
located in Ashburn, VA. Owned and operated by educators Vinay Bhawnani and
Shawn Sell, LTP specializes in customized and individualized instruction available
in both classes and one-on-one opportunities. For SAT/ACT preparation, academic
help, AP/SOL/AOS test support and/or any questions about the new SAT, visit www.

LoudounTestPrep.com or call (703) 638-0684.

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Admission Talk & Tour Dates:
January 14, January 21
February 09, February 18, 2016
• 5 day program
• Extended day now available until 6 pm
• Ages 2½ to 5
• Extensive playground
• Financial aid available
• Accepts children with special needs
4201 Albemarle Street, NW • Washington, D.C. 20016
202-742-1980 school@columba.org www.columba.org
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