In early March, the College Board announced revisions to the SAT that will begin in spring 2016.

According to the New York Times, the new exam will consist of two 800-point sections: math and “evidence-based reading and writing.” The current test contains three 800-point sections: math, critical reading, and writing.

The essay, which currently is part of the writing section, will become optional and document-based.

Junior Nick Whitaker said that getting rid of the essay is the best change.

“I don’t think [the current essay] really shows your skills as a writer,” Whitaker said.

Sophomore Tyler Ellis said while he is happy that the essay will become optional, he thinks that colleges will still recommend that students write the essay.

“I think it’s great how the essay pressure will be slightly lifted,” he said.

In the reading section, the vocabulary will switch from rarely-used words to common language for college courses. The topics of the documents in the reading section will include science, social studies, and founding documents, such as the Bill of Rights.

Freshman Grady Wetherbee said that he is glad that the vocabulary requirements are changing.

“I wasn’t excited to memorize the vocabulary,” Wetherbee said.

According to the New York Times, “math questions will focus on three areas: linear equations; complex equations or functions; and ratios, percentages and proportional reasoning.” Another change to the math section is the addition of non-calculator sections.

“I think it’s good that they’re focusing more on the three subjects in math because you know what to study,” freshman Elijah Ying Levy said.

In the new exam, the penalty for incorrect answers will be removed. Currently, students lose a quarter of a point for each incorrect response.

For students hoping to practice for the exam before it is introduced, the College Board will partner with the Khan Academy to offer free online preparation, according to the New York Times.

Both Whitaker and Levy said that they welcome the changes to the SAT.

“It seems like [the changes] will make it more fair,” Whitaker said.

“[The changes] will make the test more applicable to the next few years of my life,” Levy said.

Ellis said that he wishes he were a year younger so that he could take the revised SAT.

“I think the new SAT will provide a less stressful environment surrounding itself,” he said. “I’m a sophomore, and I’m already scared for the SAT.”