New SAT exam has students feeling anxious, boosting test prep

Metro Atlanta high school students and parents are feeling anxious about the new version of the SAT college-entrance exam and beefing up test-preparation efforts.

For the first time in nearly a decade, the SAT is changing its format, which will hew closer to the reading and math curriculum students are taught in the classroom. The change is an effort to focus on the skills students need most for college readiness.

Students who do well on the SAT boost their chances of getting into top colleges and earning HOPE scholarships, part of which hinges on SAT scores. The new SAT exam is set to debut March 5.