The New SAT Format — Presidio Education®

College Board has completely redesigned its famous SAT. The current version was originally redesigned in March 2023 and then administered in March 2024.

The new digital version is divided into Section 1 and Section 2. Each section has two (2) modules. However, because the Section 1 modules have the same name, “Reading and Writing”, and the Section 2 modules have the same name, “Math”, the new format may cause a bit of unnecessary confusion with College Board’s chosen naming conventions. Therefore, students are strongly encouraged to remain organized when training and referencing specific questions.

Section 1, Module 1, Reading and Writing

This first Reading and Writing module is 32 minutes and contains 27 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) concerning passage analysis and English grammar. Instead of high school-level English questions as in the previous SAT, the new SAT contains college-level English questions. Still, students must not be discouraged with advanced English. Enforcing sharper concentration with details, inferences and coherency are key strategies that will help students succeed.

This module typically opens with several fill-in-the-blank questions. For example, a question may have a short paragraph that omits a word. Students will need to carefully select the appropriate word from the given answer choices. Unlike for the previous SAT version, for this new SAT version, students will need to focus on strengthening vocabulary a bit more.

The following questions will then be mixed. While students will need to analyze short paragraphs for motives, arguments, logic and evidence, they will also need to identify simple grammatical mistakes. Easier questions surrounding verbs, transition words, tenses and punctuation are all examples of what to expect.

Since each MCQ corresponds to its own short paragraph, students will have a much easier time recalling passage information. Short paragraphs will help students digest language and grammar with much more ease.

However, students will still need to watch out for questions that contain supplementary material. These are neither conventional passage questions nor grammar questions. Supplementary material questions may contain tables, charts, graphs, or even maps, integrated with a short paragraph or question.

Section 1, Module 2, Reading and Writing

The second Reading and Writing module is also 32 minutes and contains 27 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) concerning passage analysis and English grammar. This module also typically opens with fill-in-the-blank questions. The following will then be a mix of short paragraph questions and simple grammar questions. Some questions may contain two (2) very short paragraphs that require students to compare and contrast.

Section 1 Module 2 contains many similarities to Section 1 Module 1. Either way, students should not stress about the questions within the modules. The short paragraphs are designed to retain memory. Although the module names may add a bit of unnecessary confusion, the short paragraphs are intended to reduce confusion. Short paragraphs are designed to be standalone, which means that students will be able to focus on shorter bursts of information. Unlike longer passages, shorter paragraphs allow students to move onto the next questions without risking extra points. For example, even if students truly do not understand a particular paragraph, they can try their best and move on with confidence. One passage or one paragraph will not impact the score of another question.

Section 2, Module 1, Math

This first Math module is 35 minutes and contains 22 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) concerning very straightforward math questions. Similarly to the previous SAT design, for this new SAT, students are allowed to use an approved calculator for all test questions. Before the test questions, College Board provides a reference guide with key formulas and notes, which many students may find helpful.

Section 2 Module 1 contains a variety of percentage, function, equation, graph and geometric questions. These questions are nothing to fear. Applying logic and accurate calculation will help students correctly answer the questions. Students must take advantage of using the calculator. Understanding the individual calculator functions can save valuable time during the test.

The most favorable format revision is the removal of all fill-in math questions that previously required students to write the answers. Now, students will simply need to select one (1) of the four (4) possible answer choices. This should relieve a lot of stress among students and reduce mistakes.

Section 2, Module 2, Math

This second Math module is also 35 minutes and contains 22 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) concerning very straightforward math questions. Unlike the previous SAT design, for this new SAT, students are allowed to use an approved calculator for all test questions. Before the test questions, College Board also provides the same reference guide with key formulas and notes as in Section 2 Module 1. This implies how the Section 2 Module 2 Math questions will be similar to the Section 2 Module 1 Math questions.

Section 2 Module 2 also contains a variety of percentage, function, equation, graph and geometric questions. Similarly to Section 2 Module 1, there are no fill-in questions that require students to write the actual answers.

Stay Confident and Score Big

The new SAT format is far easier and more digestible than the previous format. Students should feel a big sense of relief because of the new reader-friendly format. Standalone questions and short paragraphs will help students retain passage information much more effectively on the English questions. Being allowed to use calculators on all math questions without worrying about any fill-in math questions will increase student accuracy on the math questions.

Want Some SAT Training?

Please contact us for any questions about the new SAT or private classes. Our faculty is more than happy to teach students how to succeed. We train students with SAT diagnostic tests (DTs) to build reading comprehension, time management, accuracy and confidence. Stay positive students!

Featured

Author: RYAN YOUNG

Ryan is the Head English Teacher at Presidio Education® and specializes in English language, literature, especially poetry, and writing. While Ryan is also trained with humanities, government and sustainability subject matter, he really enjoys training students for mock trials and debate. For U.S. Test Prep, such as the SSAT, PSAT, SAT, ACT, Advanced Placement (AP) tests and GRE, Ryan focuses on the applicable English and social science sections. As a former high school English teacher in California, United States, he now primarily teaches high school, undergraduate and graduate students. Ryan completed his undergraduate work in English with a minor in history, and completed his graduate work both in English and sustainability.