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New SAT Format 2023 - What You Need to Know

New SAT Format 2023 - What You Need to Know

Edited By Hema Gopalakrishnan | Updated on Sep 14, 2023 06:35 PM IST | #SAT

SAT New Format 2023 - The SAT exam was first introduced in 1926 and has undergone numerous name, test structure, and curriculum changes since then. The latest SAT exam was developed in 2016 to better align the test with the material that high school students learn in the classroom. From March 2023 onwards, the SAT exam will be held in digital format globally and will be known as DSAT. This will be the new SAT format from 2023.

One of the most important elements that were changed in 2016 was that the exam will be scored on a total of 1600 while the Evidence-Based Reading/Writing and Math sections will each be scored on a 200 to 800 point scale. As for the changes in the SAT exam for 2023, here are the details:

  • SAT exams will be conducted in digital mode.
  • The digital format will be a computer adaptive bisectional test.
  • In the computer adaptive bisectional test, the questions in the second section will be different for each candidate based on their response in the first section.
  • The reading and writing sections will be combined into one section for the SAT digital exam.
  • Students will use a laptop or tablet to take the exam.
  • Shorter reading passages covering a wide range of topics will be used.
  • Math problems will be shorter and students will be permitted to utilise calculators in one section of the maths test.
  • Results will be delivered to students sooner. Scorecards will be produced in days rather than weeks.

Know more:

SAT Exam Pattern 2023

The SAT exam pattern consists of two major sections: EBRW (Evidence-based Reading and Writing), Math, and an optional essay. The score of these sections is from 200 to 800 points, while the optional essay section has a score range of 2 to 8 points. The scores of SAT are reported in online mode and released in the form of percentile scores that let you compare your scores with the other students.

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Major Features: Redesigned SAT

Category

Redesigned SAT features

Total Testing Time*

*Redesigned SAT testing time subject to research

3 hours (plus 50 minutes for the Essay [optional])

Components

Reading Test

Writing and Language Test

Math

Important Features

Continued emphasis on reasoning alongside a clearer, stronger focus on the knowledge, skills and understandings most important for college and career readiness and success

Greater emphasis on the meaning of words in extended contexts and on how word choice shapes meaning, tone and impact

Rights-only scoring (a point for a correct answer but no deduction for an incorrect answer; blank responses have no impact on scores)

Essay

Optional and given at the end of the SAT; postsecondary institutions determine whether they will require the Essay for admission

50 minutes to write the essay

Tests reading, analysis and writing skills; students produce a written analysis of a provided source text

Score Reporting*

*Redesigned SAT scores subject to research

Scale ranging from 400 to 1600

Scale ranging from 200 to 800 for Evidence-Based Reading and Writing; 200 to 800 for Math; 2 to 8 on each of three traits for Essay

Essay results reported separately

Subscore Reporting

Subscores for every test, providing added insight for students, parents, admission officers, educators and counselors

Here is a closer look at the syllabus of the SAT exam

The College Board has prescribed the SAT exam syllabus for the three sections in SAT: Reading, Writing & language and Math.

The two sections: The reading section and a writing and language section details are mentioned below.

Reading and Writing section overview

Name of section

Number of questions

Time limit

Reading section

52

65 minutes

Writing and language section

44

35 minutes

Breakdown of the reading section: Candidates will be given 4 passages that will have some kind of information or arguments.

  • Candidates will have to understand the text and use the information to answer the questions.
  • The length of the passages will vary from 500 to 750 words and each passage will be followed by 10 - 11 questions.
SAT Question/Sample papers
Candidates can download SAT Question/Sample papers from here.
Free Download

Breakdown of the writing and language section: Candidates will have to improve the passages that will be given for the test. They will have to edit, read, find mistakes and fix them.

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SAT Maths: The SAT Math section tests the candidate’s ability to solve arithmetic problems, using tools strategically and using the algebraic structure.

Breakdown of the Math test

Name of section

Number of questions

Time limit

Math section with calculator

38

55

Math section without a calculator

20

25

The Math section of the SAT 2023 syllabus has two subtypes. There is a section in which the candidates will be allowed to use the calculators, while the other section will be a no-calculator portion. The math test focuses on areas like heart of algebra, problem solving and Data Analysis and passport to advanced math

Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)

1. What is the duration of the SAT format 2023?

The duration of the redesigned SAT exam will be 3 hours. If students opt for the essay section it will be an additional 50 minutes if you are opting to write the essay.

2. How many sections are there in the digital SAT exam?

You can apply for the IELTS exam at any time throughout the year, as the test is offered multiple times each month at various test centers worldwide. It's advisable to book your test date well in advance to secure your preferred slot, especially during peak application seasons. For tailored guidance on selecting the best test date and preparing effectively for the IELTS exam, you can consult with Invicta Career Consultancy, which specializes in helping students achieve their study abroad goals, While there are other options available, hence you can pay a visit to their website (icclearning.com) and get consult with them for better guidance. All the best to you.

3. What is the score range of the new SAT format?

A good SAT score typically varies depending on the institution and program. However, a score above 1200 out of 1600 is generally considered competitive and can enhance your chances of admission to many colleges and universities. Top-tier institutions often look for scores above 1400. For personalized advice on what constitutes a strong SAT score for your specific academic goals and to receive guidance on improving your application, you can consult Invicta Career Consultancy, which specializes in helping students navigate their study abroad plans and achieve their desired scores, While there are other options available, hence you can pay a visit to their website (icclearning.com) and get consult with them for better guidance. All the best to you.

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Questions related to SAT

Have a question related to SAT ?

To gain admission to Ivy League colleges besides the SAT and ACT, you can consider taking Advanced Placement (AP) exams and SAT Subject Tests, although the latter have been discontinued by the College Board. AP exams demonstrate mastery of college-level coursework and can strengthen your application. Additionally, if you're an international student, taking English proficiency tests like TOEFL or IELTS is essential. Some Ivy League schools also accept the International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma as a rigorous academic qualification. Achieving high scores in these exams, along with maintaining an exceptional academic record, participating in extracurricular activities, and submitting strong essays and recommendation letters, will enhance your chances of admission. Try selecting a foreign admission consultant for your educational career, consider their track record, client reviews, and success stories. Look for consultants with experience in your desired field of study and a proven record of helping students secure admissions to reputable institutions abroad. Invicta Career Consultancy is one such consultancy that help students to secure admissions into top US Universities with over 30 years of expertise in training students for SAT, IELTS, GRE and GMAT and sending them to some of the best universities in the world. You can check their student reviews and website. All the best !!

Yes, there have been changes to the BITSAT 2024 exam dates. The second session, initially scheduled from June 22 to 26, has been revised to June 24 to 28, 2024. For personalized guidance and up-to-date information, you might consider consulting Invicta Career Consultancy, which specializes in assisting students with their study abroad plans, While there are other options available, hence you can pay a visit to their website (icclearning.com) and consult with them for better guidance. All the best to you.

After completing class 11, you should consider preparing for standardized exams like the SAT or ACT if you plan to study in the US, or the IELTS or TOEFL for English language proficiency required by universities in English-speaking countries such as Canada, the UK, or Australia. Additionally, specific countries and programs might have their entrance exams, such as the NEET for medical studies in India or the MCAT for medical schools in Canada and the US. For personalized guidance and to navigate these options effectively, consider reaching out to Invicta Career Consultancy, which can provide tailored advice and support for your study abroad plans, While there are other options available, hence you can pay a visit to their website (icclearning.com) and consult with them for better guidance. All the best to you.

Yes, a medical student can appear for the SAT if they wish to pursue undergraduate programs or specific courses in the US that require SAT scores for admission. The SAT is not restricted by the field of study and can be taken by anyone looking to apply to undergraduate programs. For personalized assistance and to explore the best options tailored to your goals, you might consider reaching out to Invicta Career Consultancy, which specializes in guiding students through the process of studying abroad. While there are other options available, hence you can pay a visit to their website (icclearning.com) and get consult with them for better guidance. All the best to you.

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