The new SAT in San Ramon goes into effect in March 2016, and most aspects of the SAT will be radically altered from the previous SAT, and that includes the scoring. That’s why students should be aware of these changes so that they will be able to plan for their review accordingly.

The question is whether the new SAT will make an impact on a student’s previous SAT scores. Imagine you are currently a junior (class of 2017) or a sophomore (class of 2018) student, a question arises: what if you took the SAT before the change? You can’t help wondering if colleges will accept your old SAT scores when the new SAT scores become available, or will they ask you to take the new SAT as a prerequisite?

The questions will surely affect the way a test-taker prepares for and takes the exam. With this conundrum, it may lead the students to decide to switch to the ACT instead. It is no wonder that a lot of students (as well as parents) may worry about the new SAT.

For the new SAT, the score range will return to its old range of 400-1600 from the current 600-2400. The new SAT will have two sections: Math and Evidence-Based Reading/Writing. Each of the two sections will be scored on a range of 200-800, which will make the perfect SAT score 1600 again. The optional essay will be scored separately.

So for students taking the current SAT, the scores will remain valid for the college admission. But for other students who take the current version of SAT but do not have plans to apply for college the following year, it is uncertain how long the current SAT’s scores will remain in effect.

The class of 2017 will be the first class to be affected by this transition. You have the option to take the old SAT, the new SAT, or the ACT (which is a more straightforward test compared to the SAT). If you decide to take the old SAT, start your prep work during the summer of your junior year, then take the test in the fall, and then again in the winter, if possible or necessary.

The class of 2018 will have the option to take the old or the new SAT. You may also want to refer to your PSAT scores to help you decide on which of two SAT’s you have to take.

You may also take both the old and the new versions of the SAT; some even say it is recommended. If you’re going to take the old SAT, you may have done so in October and November 2015, and then again in December 2015 or January 2016. Then take the new SAT in March, May or June, whichever month you prefer. That way, it will help you determine which of the two versions has the higher scores to send to colleges and universities of your choice (as long as you are aware of and understand their policies).

The College Board, the organization behind SAT, has yet to officially announce their stance in regards to the grace period allowed for students. So as an eligible test-taker, you may contact the colleges you wish to apply to and discuss with them regarding their policies on how long they will allow your old SAT scores, or if they have now started accepting scores of only the new SAT for San Ramon students.