Beginning with the class of 2006, students opting to take the SAT will be required to take the new SAT Reasoning Test. This exam was first administered March 12, 2005, but was optional through the end of the year.

Check out the new format - we've simplified it for you - so you know what to expect.

THE BASICS

• The SAT Reasoning Test is marginally more difficult, to deter the rising number of perfect scores.
• New score: 2400. Each section is scored on a scale of 200-800 (scores are always a multiple of 10).
• Total length: 3 hours, 45 minutes
• Consists of math, critical reading and writing (includes an essay)
• Total sections: 10: 3 math, 3 reading, 3 writing, and 1 equating section that can be any of the three sections, does not count toward your score, is used only to test questions for future exams and compares the difficulty level of each exam
• Each question now has five answer choices.