Resources › For Students and Parents Old SAT Vs. Redesigned SAT Chart Share Flipboard Email Print For Students and Parents Test Prep SAT Test Prep Test Prep Strategies Study Skills ACT Test Prep GRE Test Prep LSAT Test Prep Certifications Homework Help Private School College Admissions College Life Graduate School Business School Law School Distance Learning View More By Kelly Roell Kelly Roell Education Expert B.A., English, University of Michigan Kelly Roell is the author of "Ace the ACT. " She has a master's degree in secondary English education and has worked as a high school English teacher. Learn about our Editorial Process Updated on February 19, 2020 Want to know even more about the redesign? Check out Redesigned SAT 101 for all the facts. Old SAT vs. Redesigned SAT Chart Below, you'll find the basics about the changes that happened to the exam in an easy, grab-it-and-go format. If you'd like more information about any of the features in the chart (the current SAT scoring, for example, which is dramatically different from the old SAT) click on the links to find detailed explanations of each. Old SAT Redesigned SAT Testing Time 3 hours and 45 minutes (225 minutes) 3 hours. 50 minutes for the optional essay180 minutes or 230 minutes with essay Test Sections Critical Reading Mathematics Writing Essay (not optional) Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (Reading Test, Writing and Language Test, Optional Essay) Mathematics Number of Questions or Tasks Critical Reading: 67Mathematics: 54Writing: 49Essay: 1Total: 171 Reading: 52Writing and Language: 44Mathematics: 57Optional Essay: 1Total: 153 (154 with essay) Scores Composite score: 600 - 800 CR score: 200 - 800 Math score: 200 - 800 Writing score including essay: 200 - 800 Composite score: 400 - 1600 Evidence-Based Reading and Writing: 200 - 800 Math score: 200 - 800 Optional Essay: 2-8 in three areas Subscores, area scores and cross-test scores will also be reported: More info, here! Penalties The current SAT penalizes incorrect answers 1/4 point. No penalties for incorrect answers The 8 Key Changes of the Redesigned SAT Along with changes to the test format, there were eight key changes that happened to the test that are a bit broader in scope than what's explained above. Students now need to do things like demonstrate a command of evidence across the test, meaning that they need to be able to demonstrate that they understand why they've gotten answers correct. Obscure vocabulary words went far, far away in the redesign, too (Goodbye, and good riddance, too.) They were replaced with "Tier Two" words most commonly used in texts and other platforms in college, the workplace, and the real world. Similarly, math problems are now grounded in real-world contexts emphasizing relevance to students. And science and history texts are now utilized for reading and writing along with important documents from American history and the global community. The link above explains each in more thorough detail. SAT Scoring Since the SAT went through such a major, thorough overhaul, testers are concerned about concurrence between the old and Redesigned SAT. Will students who have the old scores be penalized in some way for not having the most up-to-date test under their belts? How will students taking the current exam really know what sort of scores to shoot for if there is no long history of SAT scores established? The College Board has developed a concordance table between the current SAT and the Redesigned SAT for college admissions officers, guidance counselors and students to use as a reference. In the meantime, take a peek at SAT Scoring Frequently Asked Questions to see average national SAT scores, percentile rankings by school, score release dates, scores by state and what to do if your SAT score is really, really bad. Cite this Article Format mla apa chicago Your Citation Roell, Kelly. "Old SAT Vs. Redesigned SAT Chart." ThoughtCo, Apr. 5, 2023, thoughtco.com/old-sat-vs-redesigned-sat-chart-3211536. Roell, Kelly. (2023, April 5). Old SAT Vs. Redesigned SAT Chart. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/old-sat-vs-redesigned-sat-chart-3211536 Roell, Kelly. "Old SAT Vs. Redesigned SAT Chart." ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/old-sat-vs-redesigned-sat-chart-3211536 (accessed May 27, 2023). copy citation By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies