Every year, College Board—mothership of the SAT, PSAT, and the ever-expanding array of AP exams—convenes a national forum to share news with counselors and educators. I skipped this year’s Forum in Las Vegas, but my delightful podcast partner-in-crime Amy Seeley dropped in to the desert to learn what College Board was working on this year. Needless to say, they’ve been busy!
College Costs are Rising Slowly.
According to College Board’s Trends in College Pricing and Student Aid Report 2026, average published in-district and in-state tuition and fees increased by less than 3% at public two-year and four-year colleges in 2026-27, before adjusting for inflation.Schools Can Access Student SAT Practice Scores.
Beginning November 30, 2026, student Bluebook practice test results will be available through the K–12 reporting portal. (My question: Will teachers or administrators use this data?)Score Reports Will Include More Career Insights
Beginning in spring 2027, SAT Suite score reports will include explanations of what students can do based on their performance and share five associated high-demand, high-wage career clusters relevant to their state’s workforce.A Science Score is Coming to the SAT
Beginning in spring 2027, SAT Suite score reports will include a Science Practices and Foundations score. The SAT will not be adding a dedicated science section but rather distilling performance in relevant portions of Reading, Writing, and Math to measure students’ demonstrated achievement of key science practices and the mathematical skills that science demands. (My observation: This score won’t likely impact admissions decisions but rather support schools and states that use the SAT Suite for assessment.)
College Board shared plenty more about college and AP readiness as well as the benefits of retesting, but thankfully no changes are coming to the SAT itself. Now that we are several years into the administration of what we used to call the dSAT, we know exactly what to expect on test day. These announcements, as interesting as they are, have no bearing on what it takes to earn an SAT score you can be proud of.
⁉️ PSAT scores are coming in—do you know what your next steps should be?
If you’re not already working with someone, get free expert guidance from an internationally-recognized leader in test prep. Call Mike Bergin at Chariot Learning.
APPLICATION ACTION STEPS
🎓 Apply for one of many DAR scholarships.
🎓 Check out the latest SAT/ACT Percentiles.
🎓 Explore what it means to use mindfulness for test and school success.
🎓 Marvel at the incongruous mix of 2027 Best Value Colleges in America.