Lancers Experience the New PSAT
November 20, 2015
Last month, Bishop Amat sophomores and juniors got their first taste of the new SAT format in the form of the Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test (PSAT).
By March of 2016 the College Board will revert to the original 1600-point test, replacing the current 2400-point test. The 2400-point test will be decommissioned in January 2016, according to the College Board website.
The new SAT will consist of a vocabulary section and a mathematics portion and will be the first to include an optional essay. The new SAT is designed to be centered around the two core subjects of mathematics and English. The redesigned SAT reflects and supports the goals of higher education outlined by the College Board.
Assistant Principal of Academics Mr. Gabriel Escovar explained what the College Board hopes to achieve with this test.
“The SAT underwent major changes to align itself with the Common Core, and this was the first chance to try out the new questions and the new system,” Mr. Escovar said.
This year’s PSAT allowed the College Board to try the new test on sophomores and juniors. Juniors who had taken the PSAT last year noticed significant changes.
I found that the math portion was pretty much witchcraft in comparison to the previous version
— Estaban Villegas
Junior Christian Quezada noticed that there was more critical thinking and mathematical problems on the new test compared to the previous one.
Junior Esteban Villegas saw a difference in this year’s PSAT.
“I found that the math portion was pretty much witchcraft in comparison to the previous version,” Villegas said. “I felt I was much more prepared last year for the math as opposed as this year. The writing and grammar was relatively easy and I think I scored really high in those”
One of the new resources the College Board has to offer is its partnership with the free online learning tool Khan Academy. With this newly formed partnership, students will get individualized study recommendations, access to thousands of practice questions, video lessons, helpful hints, and instant feedback to check progress.
Students are also encouraged to visit the College Board website to start their preparation for the SAT.
