The New SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) is a traditional exam before admission to American universities and colleges that high school graduates pass.
The exam tests the level of critical thinking, the level Preparation for an intensive college and university program, academic achievements in various fields. On the results of SAT, admission commissions of American institutions rely on the enrollment, distribution of scholarship grants and funds - therefore, it is of fundamental importance to pass the exam for the highest possible score.
SAT exams are surrendered 6 times a year:
- May
- June
- October
- November
- December
- January.
The results remain valid for 5 years. In our time the examSAT can be rented in many large cities of foreign countries by registering online and paying a registration fee by bank card.
In 2016, the format of the SAT exam changed very strongly, so pay attention to the textbooks that will be used in preparation - they should be targeted for The New SAT and be released no later than 2015. It is important and make sure that your teacher or tutor has also passed the qualification improvement and is ready to prepare you according to the format of The New SAT.
The structure of The New SAT
So, what has changed in the exam scheme and what blocks does The New SAT consist of?
1. Reading
- Time to perform: 60 minutes
- Volume: 52 questions.
The block is devoted to reading and understanding texts in English: it is checked Vocabulary, the ability to quickly read and find the information you need, analyze the text and techniques of its creation, define expressive techniques, literary and stylistic, grammatical constructions.
In the previous version of Critical Reading, the first 5-8 questions were devoted to the analysis of complex words in sentences, there is no new task in this format. Now these tasks are evenly embedded in the text, so the examiners should still be confident in the composition of their lexical stock, strive to learn as much as possible a variety of English words.
2. Writing and Language
- Execution time: 35 minutes
- Scope: 44 questions.
Checking the grammar, syntax and stylistics (only about 13 English rules Grammar and spelling). In general, having mastered 13 key rules, the student will be able to perform this block of tasks as correctly as possible: the rules are relatively simple, and it will not be difficult to practice them.
Again, in a new version of the exam, these tasks are not given separately, but are built into the test (and the text) evenly. That is why, in order to successfully complete assignments, one should practice as much as possible in reading and analyzing English texts, try to memorize new grammatical constructions, special grammatical and syntactic forms, idioms of the English language.
3. Math (No Calculator)
- Time to execute: 25 minutes
- Scope: 20 questions.
Math tasks that do not allow the use of a calculator. Nevertheless, this block is considered to be the simplest in the exam: these are the simplest rules of arithmetic, geometry, and algebra (maximum level is grade 7 of the secondary school).
In the former format of the exam, the mathematical block was unified (not divided into Calculator and No Calculator). Be extremely attentive, repeat the general course of mathematics and algebra, train the speed of solving problems, assimilate their main types - and this block will not be a problem for you.
4. Math (Calculator)
- Time to perform: 55 minutes
- Scope: 38 questions.
A mathematical block of tasks that allow the use of a calculator. You can do without it if you want, but the tasks here are more complicated than in block 3, so the computer technology is allowed. In general, the level of mathematical knowledge for the successful completion of tasks does not exceed the 8th grade of the general school - but one should be prepared for the fact that some topics are not in principle part of the educational program, which can cause additional difficulties.
The main difficulties in performing this block: trigonometry, assignments with imaginary numbers, understanding of English mathematical terms, too complicated ways of solving typical and simple problems. Refer to your tutor for help, and he will talk in detail about simpler solution algorithms, expand your lexical stock on mathematical topics.
5. Essay
Usually writing an essay is optional, optional, and some students do not pass it at all. For example, writing essays is not required at some US universities (they accept SAT results without this item) - but every prestigious and elite institution, especially Ivy League members, consider this item mandatory.
The main difference between the new version of the exam is the writing of an essay based on the provided text: it will need to be read carefully (and more than once), analyzed, demonstrated a full and deep understanding of its topic, problems, structure, knowledge of literary skills and Rhetoric. At the same time, your essay must also comply with the literary and academic norms of the English language - be attentive and diligent in your preparation.
Here you can learn about the preparation and other tests:
