How does the new SAT scoring system work compared to the old one?

I'm a junior and I heard there was a different SAT scoring system in the past. Can someone explain the main differences between the old and new scoring systems, and maybe even provide a conversion chart to help understand the changes?

The main difference between the old and new SAT scoring systems lies in the sections, scoring scale, and essay scoring method. I'll provide an overview of these differences below.

Old SAT (2400):

1. The old SAT consisted of three sections: Critical Reading, Mathematics, and Writing.

2. Each section was scored on a scale of 200 to 800, with a total possible score of 2400.

3. The essay was a mandatory part of the Writing section and was incorporated into the overall score.

4. The old SAT emphasized vocabulary and sentence completion skills, with a greater focus on obscure vocabulary.

New SAT (1600):

1. The new SAT consists of two sections: Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) and Mathematics.

2. Each section is scored on a scale of 200 to 800, with a total possible score of 1600.

3. The essay was originally optional and scored separately, but as of 2021 it was removed and no longer an option.

4. The new SAT places more emphasis on the use of evidence in reading passages and focuses more on the understanding and application of context-dependent vocabulary.

As for converting old SAT scores to new SAT scores, it's not a simple conversion, but the College Board provided a concordance table that can help you get a close estimate. Keep in mind that this conversion may not be 100% accurate, but it can give you a general sense of the differences.

For example:

- Old SAT 1800 is approximately equivalent to a New SAT 1280

- Old SAT 2100 is approximately equivalent to a New SAT 1390

- Old SAT 2400 is approximately equivalent to a New SAT 1600

Remember that colleges will be aware of the differences between the old and new scoring systems and will take them into consideration during the admissions process.