New policy on calculators used on the SAT

(Dan Tri) - From the SAT exam at the end of August, candidates are not allowed to bring into the exam room calculators with CAS (computer algebra system) function.

This information was shared by Mr. Haike Zhao - Deputy Director of International Division, College Board - at an in-depth seminar on SAT and AP, two international standardized tests currently used in university admissions in Vietnam.

Accordingly, the new policy on handheld calculators used for the SAT exam, effective from the end of August, stipulates that candidates are not allowed to bring into the exam room calculators with CAS function - a function that helps users simplify and analyze expressions, solve equations and systems of equations, calculate derivatives... in algebraic, explanatory, and combinatorial problems.

You can check to see if your calculator has CAS functionality by looking at the model number. If it says "CAS," it is a calculator that cannot be used on the SAT.

Some handheld calculators have built-in CAS functionality, such as: Casio - ClassPad 300, 330, or 400; ClassPad II (fx-CP400); ClassPad fx-CG 500 or fx-CG500; Algebra fx 2.0; all model numbers beginning with CFX-9970G. Candidates are not allowed to bring these calculators into the exam room.

The above information received much attention from students and parents attending the seminar. Because the number of SAT candidates is increasing.

In 2019-2022, the number of SAT test takers in Vietnam increased by about 6-17% each year. However, by 2023, this number is 74.4%. The College Board estimates that the increase in 2024 compared to 2023 is about 63%.

The surge in the number of SAT test takers is related to the increasing number of universities in Vietnam using the results of this standardized test in admissions.

About 25 universities in Vietnam use SAT scores for admission. The vast majority are in the fields of technology - engineering, economics - commerce and the military.

The best time to take the SAT for the first time, according to Haike Zhao, is at the end of 10th grade. Candidates should not spend money on SAT prep earlier, but instead can familiarize themselves with the PSAT from 8th grade, through the free Khan Academy platform. He encourages candidates to take advantage of free learning resources to save as much as possible on test preparation costs.

“You can start with Khan Academy - an app that provides a review program with thousands of practice questions, videos , lessons and suggestions to build the necessary skills. Then, you can take a practice test on Bluebook, experiencing a simulated exam like the real thing.

“Data shows that students who spend time studying through Khan Academy and taking simulated tests in Bluebook achieve significant improvements in their scores,” said Haike Zhao.

College Board representatives also provided additional data showing that candidates who complete 1 to 3 full practice tests on the free Bluebook application often achieve SAT scores 25 to 60 points higher than candidates who do not do any practice tests.

Mr. Haike Zhao - Deputy Director of International Division, College Board - shared with students, parents and teachers about enrollment trends with SAT and AP certificates (Photo: Hoang Hong).

In response to some students' concerns about whether to take the SAT or AP (a certificate that allows candidates to study certain subjects in advance at university level), a representative of IIG, the organization and official information provider of these two exams in Vietnam, shared: You need to consider your goals before choosing.

If SAT is accepted by many universities in Vietnam and the world , AP will be a great advantage for candidates who intend to study in the US. Because candidates with AP certificates will be exempted from a number of corresponding university credits, the amount of tuition savings can be up to 10,000 USD.

In addition, candidates with early career orientation can study AP to develop academic depth in their field, preparing for university life by training academic thinking, research skills and learning ability in an international environment.

According to the College Board, the number of AP test takers reached 3.1 million in 2025. The number of schools with students taking AP exams increased by 13% compared to the previous year and increased by 43% over the past five years.

Currently, in Vietnam, only Hanoi University of Science and Technology considers AP certificates in its talent selection method.

Mr. Ta Dinh Viet Anh - Head of International Programs at IIG, the authorized unit to organize SAT and AP exams in Vietnam - said that from now until the end of 2025, the SAT exam will have 6 more sessions including September 19, October 4, October 24, November 8, November 21 and December 6. Due to the limited number of exam sessions, many candidates have to register 3-4 months in advance to keep their exam spots.

For the 2026 AP exam, the first registration period is September 24-November 7, and the second registration period is November 20, 2025-March 6, 2026.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/giao-duc/chinh-sach-moi-ve-may-tinh-su-dung-cho-bai-thi-sat-20250913235238984.htm