SAT EXAM
Quick Facts
3
Hours
3
Sections
1600
High Score
1060
Avg. Score
Step 1 Background On SAT
The SAT is an examination used by the majority of colleges and universities to evaluate admissions decisions. It is a pencil-and-paper test consisting of multiple-choice questions, developed and administered by the College Board.
The primary objective of the SAT is to assess a high school student’s preparedness for college and provide colleges with a standardized measure for comparing applicants. College admissions officers consider standardized test scores in conjunction with factors such as high school GPA, coursework, recommendation letters, extracurricular involvement, interviews, and personal essays. The significance of SAT scores in the college application process can vary among different institutions.
In general, achieving higher scores on the SAT and/or ACT can expand your options for college admission and financial assistance.
Step 2 When to take the SAT test
The SAT and ACT are commonly taken by high school students, typically in the spring of their junior year or the fall of their senior year. It is crucial to allow ample time for potential test retakes if you aim to improve your scores before submitting college applications. The SAT is conducted nationwide multiple times throughout the year, including in August, October, November, December, March, May, and June.
Step 3 Sections & Time
There are two SAT sections: Math Evidence-Based Reading and Writing The SAT also includes an optional Essay section. SAT Essay scores are reported separately from overall test scores. Some colleges may require that you complete the SAT Essay. The SAT is 3 hours long. If you choose to take the SAT with Essay, the test will be 3 hours and 50 minutes.
Step 4 How you are scored?
The scoring for each section of the SAT ranges from 200 to 800 points. Your total SAT score is determined by adding up your section scores. The highest achievable SAT score is 1600. If you choose to take the Essay, you will receive a separate score for that section.
Step 5 Sould I Take the SAT or the ACT?
Most colleges and universities accept scores from both the SAT and ACT and do not show preference for one test over the other. As a result, more and more college-bound students are opting to take both exams. The changes implemented in the SAT in 2016 have made it more feasible to prepare for and achieve competitive scores on both tests simultaneously.
To determine whether you should take the SAT, ACT, or both, the recommended approach is to take a timed full-length practice test for each test type. Since the content and style of the SAT and ACT are quite similar, factors such as your ability to handle time pressure and the types of questions that pose the greatest challenge can help you assess which test suits you better.