One important thing to note is that “additional topics,” which is mainly geometry, comprises only six questions on the whole test.

A breakdown of the material included in each area is available on the College Board website. There are four areas of content: heart of algebra, problem solving and data analysis, passport to advanced mathematics and additional topics.

Now the questions correlate with the traditional high school math scope and sequence. Gone are the days of tricks, guessing C, and trying to beat the test, as if it was some type of a game. They have dropped all the tricky problems that previously characterized the SAT. Most important: everything is aligned to rigorous high school mathematics. In addition, there is now a twenty-question non-calculator section.

Rather than being disconnected from real-world applications, the scenarios are drawn from other academic disciplines, such as science. The majority of the questions involve simpler mathematics, but they emphasize conceptual understanding. There are now more multi-step problems and even scenarios attached to several questions. Everything is based on research about the essential mathematical knowledge students need in order to succeed in college or in a post-secondary career. The math content has shifted, as well as the goal of the questions. They’ve reevaluated the goals of the test and tried to address many of its weaknesses.

This is the snapshot version.įirst of all, this is a dramatic change. All of the information I am citing is available on the College Board website. In this article, I’d like to address the changes to the math sections of the test. Last winter the College Board announced a completely redesigned SAT, creating lots of questions and anxiety about the new format.

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