Why the SAT Won't Penalize You For Wrong Answers

The Brian Lehrer Show | Mar 6, 2014

The College Board has announced some major changes to the structure, scoring, and content of the SAT. Cyndie Schmeiser, Chief of Assessments for the College Board, explains the new changes, and what prompted them.

Key Changes to the SAT

  • Back to 1600 points (instead of 2400)
  • No more 'SAT words'; the vocabulary will instead focus on words students "use consistently"
  • The essay is optional
  • A different scoring system that gives points for correct answers instead of penalizing for wrong answers
  • "The math section will draw from fewer topics"
  • The College Board is partnering with Khan Academy to create free test prep for the redesigned test

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