As his eyes scan over the room he finds students huddled over a desk, pencils rapidly scribbling down answers in big blue books. Two girls with a stack of note cards in one hand and a determined expression etched on to their faces and a student with a mountain of papers piled on his desk. The boy’s stomach dipped, the time has come, the SAT is upon us.

As many students know, or might not know, the year of 2016 is ringing in a new SAT. This new SAT is rumored to be more rigorous and intellectually demanding than any of the past SATs before. However, this year, if a student doesn’t feel inclined to take the new SAT, they are in luck. There are three tests left in the 2015 year which are considered the “old” SAT and the “old” standards will apply.

It’s important for Seniors to take this opportunity to take this SAT as applications close for UT and other major schools in December. However, juniors need to make the critical choice about which SAT they would like to take. The “new” SAT and the “old” SAT are both open to juniors. However, most SAT teachers are recommending taking this SAT because their is more information on it and it’s been thoroughly analyzed. Also, several sophomores have questioned which SAT to take, and it has been reported that they should wait for the new SAT but start preparing now.

The “old” SAT will continue to have the same standards, such as:

-2400 is the highest you can make on the SAT (800 on each section)

-You must complete a Reading, Writing and Math section

-The SAT is three hours and forty five minutes long

– One will get a quarter point off for every question missed

According to bestvalueschools.com, most colleges will accept an average of 1,500 on the SAT. However, students must be aware of the score recommended by their choice of college and aim for that score.

There are many reasons a student should take the SAT. For instance, most colleges will ask to see your SAT score or ACT score. Though, reasons a student should attempt the “old” SAT is because the test has been analyzed and researched so that many SAT prep guides have had the test mapped out for years. From what questions will be asked, to the order they will be asked, the “old” SAT gives a security blanket while the “new” SAT generates feelings of anxiety and uncertainty.

Tips for studying for the SAT:

-Take multiple practice tests before the testing date

-Focus on you weakness and improve your strengths

-Remember that you will miss a quarter of a point for each question missed, so skip those you are not sure about

-Practice test taking strategies

-The night before the test, get plenty of rest as the test is a long one

-Before the test: recall all your test taking skills strategies and STAY CALM

Here are the dates for those wishing to take the “old” SAT: Oct. 3, Nov. 7, Dec. 5 and Jan. 23 2016. After that one can say out with the old and in with the new.