Tests Uncovered: Timing on the Redesigned SAT Reading Section

This week it’s our final post on changes to the SAT Reading section, and the focus is on Timing.

What is the timing like on the redesigned SAT?

A student now has 65 minutes to complete one Reading section on the redesigned SAT. All of the passages on the exam are contained within this one section. The section is the first section of the test.

How does this compare to the current SAT?

The current SAT breaks up the Reading into 3 different sections. Each section was either 25 or 20 minutes long. Between each current section of Reading, students often have a Math or Writing section to give them a mental break.

What does this mean for students?

Probably the biggest hurdle on the redesigned Reading section is the new timing. Students first will have to work on their endurance. Reading dense passages for 65 minutes without a break is extremely hard for even the best readers. Add in the stress of the test and the (traditionally) boring nature of these long passages, and the result is a long, hard slog. Students will need to practice reading for long periods of time before test day. Think of it like running a marathon: only by doing long runs to build your body’s strength can you make it through all those miles.

Secondly, students will need to be sure they are wide-awake and warmed up from the start. This long section is the very first section a student will see, so be sure to read something before the test starts. Make sure those reading muscles are warmed up!

Finally, students will also need to be aware of the clock and their pace as they move through the section. On the current test, because the reading is divided across multiple sections, students are forced to stay on pace by the proctor who calls “pencils down” at the end of every section. This means that if a student is thrown off by one hard passage and accidentally slows down, it might only ruin his or her pacing for 1/3 of the Reading score. The student can “reset” with the next Reading section. On the redesigned test, however, students will need to keep a close eye on their pacing to be sure they don’t get thrown off early in the Reading, which could affect the entire section.

Is the timing the same on the PSAT?

Nearly identical. On the PSAT, the Reading section is only 60 minutes, but there are fewer questions. Thus the time allotted per question is basically the same. Just as on the redesigned SAT, students will see this section first on the PSAT and all the Reading passages come in one section.

Next time, we will start talking about changes coming to the ACT this fall. The ACT’s essay has undergone a makeover that will affect all students going forward. But not to fear! ArborBridge will walk you through these changes beginning with our next post. Stay tuned!