Free test-preparation program for revamped SAT goes online

The nonprofit organization behind the SAT college entrance exam is teaming up with a Silicon Valley pioneer in online education to make test-preparation materials available for free.

The College Board gave unprecedented access to the revamped SAT it plans to introduce next spring to Khan Academy, which has developed diagnostic quizzes and interactive practice tests that will be accessible to anyone with Internet access starting Tuesday.

College Board President David Coleman says the partnership aims to level the college admissions playing field by putting high-quality training within easy reach of students without the funds for commercial test-prep services or the family support often needed to stick with a self-paced practice book.

The redesigned SAT will be graded on a 1,600 point scale last used in 2004 and make the now-required essay section optional.