They’ve changed it again…
We can help you navigate the changing SAT landscape.
New SAT or Old SAT?
Determining whether to take the old (current) SAT or the new SAT, is not a simple decision. It is helpful to know the facts about each test. So let’s take a look at the differences between the new SAT vs old SAT.
In Summary
New SAT
- Digital (taken on computer)
- Adaptive difficulty (changes based on your answers in first modules)
- Shorter (2 hours, 14 minutes)
- Fewer problems (98)
- Short, but more reading passages (54 with one question per passage)
- Math with calculator
Current SAT
- Paper (test and answers on paper)
- Increasing difficulty as you progress through the exam (on math portion)
- Longer (3 hours)
- More problems (154)
- Long, but fewer reading passages (4 with ~10 questions per passage)
- Math with and without calculator
So which test should my student take?
The most pivotal factor in deciding whether to take the new SAT vs the (current) old SAT depends on the age of your student.
- If your student is a freshman during the 2023-2024 school year: Your student will take the new SAT.
- If your student is a sophomore during the 2023-2024 school year: Your student will take the new SAT.
- If your student is a junior during the 2023-2024 school year: Your student is eligible to take the old SAT in December 2023. If your student has prepped for this exam, then that is the best choice. Otherwise, your student will take the new SAT.
Please note that Loudoun Test Prep does NOT register its students for the SAT. Exam registration is the responsibility of the student and their parents.
