The SAT is a college/university entrance exam used & accepted by over 6000 institutes worldwide. We cover Registration, Subjects, Dates & Scores, and more.
Table of Contents
What Is SAT?
SAT is a standardized test first introduced in 1926; a prerequisite for the students applying for various universities in the USA at the time of admission. Initially in early 90’s the college board named it as Scholastic Aptitude Test but later on in mid 90’s it was changed to Scholastic Assessment Test followed by SAT I, Reasoning Test, soon after which it was called SAT Reasoning Test and then finally just SAT later on in late 90’s. SAT is managed by college board and the tests are developed by Educational Testing Service. A SAT test simply judges the ability of the students who want to enter college and analyze their skills. Some of the universities still prefer their own entrance exam however most universities have additional requirements in conjunction with SAT. The college admission team will analyze your SAT scores in addition to your cumulative GPA, extra-curricular activities, recommendation letters from your teachers, interviews and essays. Students with high SAT scores can sometimes get a benefit of exemption from a certain course or receive a small scholarship from the university depending on your scores.
Am I Eligible: Who Can Take The SAT Exam?
The qualification for SAT varies from one university to another, as each have different requirements for entry. Typically, high school category both junior and senior students are eligible for the test.
When Can I Take SAT And How Do I Register?
It is very easy to apply for a SAT test online on the official College Board website and you can register five weeks before your test dates which are displayed on the website for your ease. A SAT test can cost you up to $ 46 for a single test without essay, but if you have opted for essay section as well the total cost would add up to $ 60. The test is conducted every year in the months of March, May, June, August, October, November and December. It is recommended that you start appearing in the SAT test as early as possible and if you are not satisfied with your scores you can always reappear and work on your weak points. Your test results are readily available online and you can check them with ease by entering your information.
Benefits Of SAT?
Taking a SAT test has many benefits. At first, it allows you to enter a university easily without having much problems. A higher SAT score can allow you to take many college courses and even exempt you from some according to your score or receive a scholarship from the university depending on your scores. A good SAT score can balance out your low GPA giving you a chance to apply for the degree or the university of your choice.
Which Subjects To Take: What’s In The SAT?
It would take you approximately three hours to complete your SAT test. Mainly SAT comprises of two sections firstly reading and writing (evidence based) and secondly math. Furthermore, evidence based test is itself a set of two tests one for reading and writing separately. On the other hand, a math test is divided into two portions one permitting the use of a calculator and other half is designed to be taken without a calculator. Moreover, there is an option which allows you include an essay in your test, you can choose this according to the requirements of your university in which you want to apply. Students please confirm this before sitting in the exam to avoid any confusion.
The Reading Section
The reading section alone comprises of fifty-two multiple choice questions which should be completed within the duration of sixty-five minutes. In total there are up to five passages and there are approximately ten to eleven questions per passage. The reading test can contain passages or part of passages from various fields like literature or history, life sciences and social sciences. All the answers should be marked according to the information provided in those passages.
The Writing And Language Section
The writing section includes forty-four multiple choice questions which should be completed within the duration of thirty-five minutes. This section will analyze your quality of writing style including grammar, vocabulary, editing, forming and building structure of a sentence.
The Math Section
The math section includes fifty-eight multiple choice questions which should be wrapped up within the span of eighty minutes. This section is further broken up into two sections one allowing the use of a calculator and other half is constructed to be taken without a calculator. The first part contains twenty questions that should be completed without the help of a calculator within 25 minutes whereas rest of the thirty-eight questions can be solved using a calculator using 55 minutes. In this section a student’s mathematical skills in mainly geometry, trigonometry and algebra are tested. A student should be able to solve linear equations and linear functions moreover have the ability to analyze statistics and problem-solving questions.
The Essay Section (Optional)
The essay section includes one essay which should be completed within a period of fifty minutes. If you have selected this option, you will be given additional time. Candidates will be asked to read the essay and then discuss the author’s work. It is always recommended that you take this part of the SAT test as some universities require it and analyze your skills based on this part as well before the admission.
Assistance For Disabled Students
It is now becoming more comfortable for students with disabilities to appear for the SAT test. If a candidate has mental or health issues assistance can be acquired from the SAT team to accommodate the student as much as possible.
My SAT Scores
Evidence based reading and writing section including the math section scores can range from 200 to a maximum of 800 respectively. After adding up all the sections the scores can vary from 400 to 1600. An average score of 1060 is generally enough for you to enter college of your choice; however, a maximum score 1600 can also be achieved.
Study Guide: How To Prepare For SAT?
Candidates can look for study guides at various local book stores and libraries all across the U.S. for their exam preparation. A lot of different kinds of reference materials can be used in the study of SAT tests. Online free questions and test samples are also available for you to practice which not only saves your time but money too. Practice questions of the past papers would give you a sense of familiarity with original SAT test and will enhance your time management skills altogether. Practice is the main key to pass your exams with good scores. Repeat the difficult questions over and over again that take most of your time so that you can manage your time properly on the day of exam. Study with a group of friends or neighbours frequently so that you can encourage each other. Various SAT websites are always there for your help and support. Numerous academies are also available in each state that help prepare the students for their SAT tests. Ask your family for support and help when needed.
Information For Students: What Do You Need To Know?
Which ID Is Acceptable For SAT?
All the students need to have proper identification prior to the examination in addition to the admission ticket. Identification should be original and not photocopied. It can be an Identification card issued by your school and should still be valid. Your picture should be clear and visible. A government issued ID is also acceptable.
Electronics That You Can Bring During Examinations
Electronic gadgets like music devices, laptops and phones are not allowed during the examination and are strictly forbidden. The invigilators will collect your phones before the examination starts and the SAT team are not responsible in case of loss or damage of the devices. You are advised to turn them off before the exam starts for your own good and security measures.
Calculators
You are required to bring your own calculator. Sharing of the calculator will not be allowed and will not be provided in the test centre. Only battery operated calculators are allowed. Make sure they are in working condition on the test day.
Exam Center Instructions
You should listen to all the instructions carefully in the examination centre to avoid any delays before your examination starts.
Timings Of The SAT Test
The test starts at 8:30 or 9:00 am and the doors are closed at 8:00 am so arrive at the examination centre 10-15 minutes before time to avoid any mishaps. You will have to reschedule if you are late as the doors will not be opened for you.
Answer Booklet
Mark all the answers correctly on the answer sheet according to the instructions provided on the exam question paper.
Food Items
Food is strictly forbidden during your examinations. It is important that you eat or drink before the exam so that you can focus on your exam.
Analyze Your Time
Assign your time properly according to the number of questions, try to answer easier questions at first to save time and energy.
Maintain Silence
Maintain silence during the examination any disturbance caused by you can lead to your disqualification from the exam.
Cheating
A student involved in cheating or any other suspicious activity would be disqualified immediately by the supervisors.
Completion Of The Exam
The exam will be finished by 1:00 pm if you have to complete the essay section as well otherwise you will be free by 12:00.
