• have three sections: Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, Math, and the Essay.
• return to the 1600 scale. The essay will provide a separate score.
• be approximately three hours in length, with an additional 50 minutes for the essay. The precise time of the exam will be affirmed through research.
• be administered both in print and by computer in 2016.

Major changes to the exam include:

1. Relevant words in context: The SAT will focus on words that students will use consistently in college and beyond.
2. Evidence-based reading and writing. Students will be asked to support answers with evidence, including questions that require them to cite a specific part of a passage to support their answer choice.
3. Essay analyzing a source: The essay will measure students' ability to analyze evidence and explain how an author builds an argument to persuade an audience. Responses will be evaluated based on the strength of the analysis as well as the coherence of the writing. The essay portion of the writing section will no longer be required.
4. Math focused on three key areas: The math section will draw from fewer topics that evidence shows most contribute to student readiness for college and career training. The exam will focus on three essential areas: problem solving and data analysis, the heart of algebra, and passport to advanced math.
5. Source documents originate from a wide range of academic disciplines, including science and social studies: The reading section will enable students to analyze a wide range of sources, including literature and literary non-fiction, science, history, and social studies.
6. Analyzing data and texts in real world context: Students will be asked to analyze both text and data in real world contexts, including identifying and correcting inconsistencies between the two. Students will show the work they do throughout their classes by reading science articles and historical and social studies sources.
7. Founding Documents and Great Global Conversation: Each exam will include a passage drawn from the Founding Documents of America or the Great Global Conversation they inspire — texts like the Declaration of Independence, the Federalist Papers, and "Letter from a Birmingham Jail" by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
8. Scoring does not deduct points for incorrect answers (rights-only scoring): The College Board will remove the penalty for wrong answers — and go to the simpler, more transparent model of giving students points for the questions they answer correctly. Students are encouraged to select the best answer to every question.

For additional information, please visit www.collegeboard.org