As of spring 2016, the SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) will undergo major changes to its format and content, including making the essay optional and eliminating the guessing penalty.

To understand the differences, one must first familiarize themselves with the current setup. At the moment, the SAT is out of 2400 points and there are three sections: math, critical reading and writing, each worth 800 points. The reading section has fill in the blank and vocabulary in context questions. The math section allowed students to use a calculator on all portions of the test. There is a quarter point deduction for choosing the wrong answer, referred to as the “guessing penalty”.

In addition to those previously mentioned, other changes include lowering the total possible points to 1600 points, the elimination of the writing section, instead, opting to incorporate writing skills into the reading portion, though leaving the choice to write an essay. Another change to the reading section is the change in how SAT writers test vocabulary. Instead, students will be tested using the context of words they should already know and will continue to use throughout the rest of their lives. On the surface, the changes seem aimed towards making the test easier.

However, not all changes will make the SAT easier. For example, calculators will not be permitted for all math sections.

Some questions in the critical reading portion will require students to justify their answers by citing evidence from given texts.

There are advantages to the change. The guessing penalty will be taken away, and free SAT prep will be offered via the online test prep program Kahn Academy.

“This isn’t just a ‘Hey, since it’s free, it’s better than nothing.’ Our intention in this partnership is this will be the best thing out there, and it happens to be free,” said Kahn Academy creator Salman Kahn.

    According to the College Board, the reasons for the changes are to make the SAT more accessible and to test real life skills.

The changes could take business away from SAT prep programs, such as Huntington Learning Center and Kaplan Test Prep, because the same tips are no longer necessary to do well on the exam.

If you want to find out more about the redesigned SAT, go to collegeboard.com