New SAT to have 1600-point scale with optional essay in 2016

SAT college admissions test in 2016 will bring back the 1600-point scale and will also have an optional essay section.

According to the test's architect, David Coleman, the essay will be based on a source document included in the test and will take up to 50 minutes which will be scored separately, the Huffington Post reported.

The test's two mandatory sections, "evidence-based reading and writing," and math, along with the essay, will take up to three hours to complete.

It has also been revealed that students will no longer lose points for wrong answers in test, which will be available both in print and digitally.

However, some math questions will prohibit the use of calculators.

The latest changes in the test are meant to mitigate the unfair test-prep culture, to foster more meaningful learning in school, and to make the testing process more open.

Coleman said that they plan to make an exam that is clearer and more open and need to get rid of the sense of mystery and dismantle the advantages that people perceive in using costly test preparation.

The College Board will also make other adjustments with the test redesign and a student who is below a certain income threshold and is appearing for the test, will receive four waivers for college application fees.