Big Changes Ahead for the SAT and ACT – What Students and Parents Need to Know!

Just as parents and students were starting to feel like they had a handle on the SAT and ACT tests, another curve ball is headed their way. Starting in 2015, major changes to both college entrance exams are anticipated, as detailed in this recent article from the New York Times.   For the SAT, the changes might not be all that scary. In fact, some vocabulary-phobic students dreading the intensity of the vocabulary words on the current SAT may even rejoice at the changes. That is because one of the most significant changes will be to replace some of the more obscure vocabulary words with words that are more readily used in everyday life, and particularly in a college classroom.   In addition, the math section of the SAT will also focus a greater amount of time on relevant topics such as proportional reasoning, linear equations and linear functions. According to David Coleman, President of the College Board, the math problems asked on the new SAT will also require students to show more of their work, and be able to explain their thought processes behind their selected answers. Coleman announced plans to update the test earlier this year; the update would be the most significant change to the test since the writing portion was added and the analogy section eliminated in 2005.   The ACT, on the other hand, will be showcasing a different kind of overhaul – starting in 2015, the ACT will go digital. Students will have the option to take the ACT either in its current paper-and-pencil format, or on a computer if they wish to do so. And the question format will also be updated to include free response answers, allowing students to manipulate graphics on the computer screen to help in the decision-making process. However, overall content will remain unchanged with the 2015 ACT, marking a noted difference between it and the SAT.   So how will these changes affect how students prepare for success on these important college entrance exams? While that remains to be seen as both camps release additional updates in the coming months, the experts at Club Z! expect the changes to be significant for the SAT. With a new batch of vocabulary words to study for, and a focus on showing student work in the math section, the entire test prep landscape may change for this test. As for the ACT, students who work faster on a computer than with paper and pencil may fare better with the new digital format, but at least the type of content to study should remain consistent. Either way, Club Z! SAT and ACT staff will keep our eyes and ears open to new information as it is released, and provide updates to our families as they become available.