The SAT Reasoning Test (formerly the SAT I: Reasoning Test and the SAT Test) is a 3 hour and 45 minute test designed to measure a student's "critical reasoning" skills. There are three types of SAT questions on the SAT Reasoning Test:
1. Critical Reading
2. Math
3. Writing
An SAT score is delivered for each of the three SAT question areas. Each score is on the familiar 200 to 800 scale. SAT Writing also has two sub scores:
1. A sub score for the multiple choice questions on a scale of 20 to 80; and
2. A sub score for the essay on a scale of 2 to 12
The test is administered in multiple timed segments always starting with the 25-minute essay and ending with a 10-minute multiple choice writing section. The remaining segments (six 25-minute and two 20-minute) can be delivered in any order.
The Unscored Section
One of the test sections on the SAT Reasoning Test is an unscored section. The unscored section will have SAT questions all of the same type. The questions may be critical reading, math, or writing (multiple choice, not an essay). This section does not count in a student's SAT score. It is used to try out new questions and for statistical purposes.
Comparing the SAT I: Reasoning Test and the SAT Reasoning Test
The following table gives a brief comparison of the old SAT (the SAT I: Reasoning Test) with the New SAT (the SAT Reasoning Test). The biggest change is the addition of the new writing section. This is in line with the fact that the majority of leading colleges and universities now require scores from a standardized writing test. As College Board President Gaston Caperton explained, "With the addition of the writing section, it [the SAT} will be even more valuable in assessing the academic skills students need to succeed in college and today's workforce." (Quote source: August 31, 2004 College Board Press Release).
Old SAT
SAT I: Reasoning Test
Time: 3 hours New SAT
SAT Reasoning Test
Time: 3 hours and 45 minutes
Math
Score M 200-800 Math - Enhanced with higher level math form third year college prep math courses
Score M 200-800
Verbal
Score V 200-800 Critical Reading - Short and long reading passages, sentence completions. Analogies eliminated.
Score CR 200-800
Writing - This is a completely new section that did not exist on the previous test.
Score W 200-800
Table: Old SAT vs. New SAT
Can the SAT I and SAT Reasoning Test Scores be Compared?
The answer is both yes and no. For the new Writing part of the test there is nothing in the old SAT to compare to. The new math SAT score may be compared with the old test's math SAT score. Similarly, the new Critical Reading SAT score may be compared with the old test's Verbal SAT score.
http://www.education-online-search.com/articles/testing/sat_testing/about_the_sat_reasoning_test
