The Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) is a standardized test widely used for college admissions in the United States. Developed and administered by the College Board, the SAT evaluates the written, verbal, and mathematical skills that are critical for academic success in college.
The SAT is taken by high school juniors and seniors to demonstrate their readiness for college-level work to admissions boards. A strong performance on the SAT can enhance a student's college application, making them a more competitive candidate for admission and potential scholarships.
| Section | Number of Questions | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Reading | 52 | 65 minutes |
| Writing and Language | 44 | 35 minutes |
| Math | 58 | 80 minutes |
| Essay (Optional, Discontinued in the U.S. from Jan 2021) | 1 | 50 minutes |
The SAT exam consists of four main sections:
Includes passages and sentence completions.
Involves questions on grammar and usage.
Covers questions on arithmetic operations, algebra, geometry, statistics, and probability.
Requires students to analyze a source document and explain how the author builds an argument to persuade an audience (discontinued from January 2021 for U.S. students).
The test is typically administered over three hours, with an additional 50 minutes for the Essay, which is optional in some international locations.
The SAT is offered at various high schools, colleges, and universities across the United States and at international locations. Test centers are managed by the College Board and are available in numerous countries around the world.
| Section | Score Range | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) | 200-800 | Combined score for the Reading and Writing and Language sections. |
| Math | 200-800 | Score for the Math section. |
| Total Score | 400-1600 | Sum of the EBRW and Math section scores. |
Optional Essay scores, if applicable, are reported separately.
Students can register for the SAT online through the College Board's official website. Registration requires creating a free College Board account, selecting a test date and location, and paying the exam fee. It's advisable to register early to secure a spot at the preferred testing center.
Preparation for the SAT can be approached in various ways:
