Junior year of High School has been notorious for intensifying stress levels, college preparation, and the dreaded ACT and SAT tests. The American College Test and Standard Assessment Test are designed to reveal student’s academic readiness for college. The ACT has been known for testing student’s knowledge, while the SAT tests student’s potential.

Recently, College Board announced they are redesigning the SAT to be ready for Spring 2016. This is the first remodel to the test since 2005. The new and improved test is claimed to be “more focused and useful than ever before.” Some of the changes listed on the College Board website include:

• The test will be offered in written and, in select locations, on the computer.
• The three main sections will include Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, Math, and an Essay portion.
• The test will be about three hours long with an additional 50 minutes for the essay.
• The scoring will revert back to the previous 400-1600 point scale.
• The Evidence-Based Reading, Writing and Math sections will be individually scored on a 200—800 point scale.
• More common and useful words will be incorporated, instead of the current obscure vocabulary terms.
• There will be no penalty for wrong answers to encourage students to try every problem. Students will only earn points on correct answers.

Since most colleges view SAT or ACT scores, students take many steps in order to properly prepare themselves. Junior Patrick Misherfi is currently taking an SAT class that meets three times a week. It focuses on tips to picking the best answer as well as multiple practice tests. “It has helped me to where I am not worried but I still have to put in the work,” said Misherfi.

Breanna Hemphill, junior, also took one of the SAT preparation classes and felt it was extremely helpful. When she took the actual SAT in early March, she felt the test was, “stressful, but it wasn’t that difficult.”

However, are these exams a true, accurate measure of student’s capabilities? “I believe the [SAT] reveals students potential,” said Faith Test Coordinator and HS Counselor, Mrs. Washington.

“Everyone is smart at his or her own subjects and we can only prepare for the SAT so much. I don’ think the SAT shows a student’s full potential and their intelligence levels,” said Hemphill.

The release of the test changes has caused quite a controversy. Many current junior and senior students feel it is unfair because the new test sounds ‘easier’. “I am very angry that they are changing the test,” said Misherfi. “I don’t think the upcoming changes to the test are very fair to us who aren’t going to have the chance to take that test,” agreed Hemphill. “The test seems much easier especially with the average vocab it will be using.”

However, others are pleased to hear about the switch up and feel it is for the better. Counselor Mrs. Burns said she is happy to see the changes. “I think the new SAT will be a more realistic measurement of aptitude.”

Luckily, students are able to retake the SAT and ACT as many times as they like before submitting their scores to colleges. Just remember to keep calm and study on!