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The SAT is a standardized test that colleges use to gauge a student’s academic potential. Students usually take the test in their junior and senior year of high school. The SAT is divided into three subject areas: critical reading, writing, and math. It also contains an experimental section in reading, math or writing that is not counted as part of a student’s score. It is scored according to rank and percentile (0-99%), overall scores range from 600-2400 with each section offering a maximum of 800 points.
Because the SAT is a very important factor in a student's college career, we advise our students to begin preparing for it as early as possible—at least six months prior to the actual test date. During this process, we encourage them to pace themselves and develop a healthy study regiment. This schedule is key if they want to do well on the test.
Because the SAT is a very important factor in a student's college career, we advise our students to begin preparing for it as early as possible—at least six months prior to the actual test date. During this process, we encourage them to pace themselves and develop a healthy study regiment. This schedule is key if they want to do well on the test.
Here Are Some Quick SAT Facts:
The SAT is offered seven times a year in the United States and six times at international sites. The test:
• Takes three hours and 45 minutes
• Consists of 10 separately timed sections:
o Three sections test critical reading (70 minutes total)
o Three sections test mathematics (70 minutes total)
o Three sections test writing (60 minutes total)
o One variable (unscored) section tests critical reading, mathematics, or writing (25 minutes total)
• Assesses subject matter learned in high school and problem solving skills in three areas:
o Critical reading
o Mathematics
o Writing
• Includes three kinds of questions:
o Multiple-choice questions
o Student-produced responses (mathematics only)
o Essay question
• Is machine-scored, except for the essay
Why should students take the SAT?
Students and parents often ask why it is important to take the SAT. Reasons include:
• All colleges accept the SAT as an objective measurement of students' college readiness.
• Used with GPAs and high school transcripts, SAT scores allow colleges to fairly compare applicants.
• Taking the SAT gives students access to scholarship opportunities.
• Most colleges require an admission test like the SAT.
• The SAT provides students with the most comprehensive performance feedback of any admission test.
Many institutions require a writing assessment for admission. Students who take the SAT automatically fulfill such requirements.
Learn more about the scholarship search tool in the student area of our site.
How difficult is the SAT?
The SAT is developed to reflect accepted educational standards. The data show that the material on the SAT and the time allocated to each section are appropriate for the intended test-taking population:
• On average, students answer 50 to 60 percent of questions correctly.
• 80 percent finish nearly the entire test.
• Almost all students complete at least 75 percent of the questions.
*The Information Listed Above is Provided by College Board
The SAT is offered seven times a year in the United States and six times at international sites. The test:
• Takes three hours and 45 minutes
• Consists of 10 separately timed sections:
o Three sections test critical reading (70 minutes total)
o Three sections test mathematics (70 minutes total)
o Three sections test writing (60 minutes total)
o One variable (unscored) section tests critical reading, mathematics, or writing (25 minutes total)
• Assesses subject matter learned in high school and problem solving skills in three areas:
o Critical reading
o Mathematics
o Writing
• Includes three kinds of questions:
o Multiple-choice questions
o Student-produced responses (mathematics only)
o Essay question
• Is machine-scored, except for the essay
Why should students take the SAT?
Students and parents often ask why it is important to take the SAT. Reasons include:
• All colleges accept the SAT as an objective measurement of students' college readiness.
• Used with GPAs and high school transcripts, SAT scores allow colleges to fairly compare applicants.
• Taking the SAT gives students access to scholarship opportunities.
• Most colleges require an admission test like the SAT.
• The SAT provides students with the most comprehensive performance feedback of any admission test.
Many institutions require a writing assessment for admission. Students who take the SAT automatically fulfill such requirements.
Learn more about the scholarship search tool in the student area of our site.
How difficult is the SAT?
The SAT is developed to reflect accepted educational standards. The data show that the material on the SAT and the time allocated to each section are appropriate for the intended test-taking population:
• On average, students answer 50 to 60 percent of questions correctly.
• 80 percent finish nearly the entire test.
• Almost all students complete at least 75 percent of the questions.
*The Information Listed Above is Provided by College Board
*Information provided by College Board