The SAT College Entrance Exam

The SAT, or Scholastic Aptitude Test, is a test that assesses high school students and their general ability to complete collegiate level work. Used as a barometer for universities to assess potential incoming students, the SAT is accepted by all colleges nationwide, and offers challenging questions in several areas of assessment.

About the SAT

The SAT is a multiple choice test covering three areas: mathematics, critical reading, and writing. Also, there is an option to participate in the SAT Subject Tests which span a variety of subjects. The SAT test is taken in a classroom over 3 hours and 45 minutes, plus a short break.  The goal of the SAT test is to show that the student can demonstrate reasoning, communication, and the ability to solve problems. Find out more about the different sections of the SAT below:
Critical Reasoning: This portion of the exam is for 70 minutes and covers comprehension, sentence structure and completion, and paragraph length critical reading.
Mathematics: The mathematics portion of the SAT is 70 minutes long and tests your knowledge of algebraic functions, geometry, statistics, probability, and data analysis.
Writing: The writing portion of the SAT is 60 minutes, and focuses on your ability to use proper and correct grammar, along with word choice and usage.

SAT Subject Test Breakdown

The SAT Subject Tests are optional, and are used to measure knowledge and skills in a particular area of study. These subject tests see how you apply knowledge and if you can demonstrate mastery of certain subject areas.  Here are the areas of tests that are available within the SAT Subject Test:
-English
-History
-Mathematics
-Science
-Various foreign languages

Some SAT Subject Tests may be required by certain universities for admission; others may use it for specific course placement or to decide if candidates are eligible for certain scholarships and grants. Please check the admissions requirements of your colleges of choice to see if you are required to take any of the SAT Subject Tests.

Who Needs to Take the SAT?

The SAT is available to all high school students who are looking to attend college, and is usually taken during junior or senior year of high school. All colleges and universities in the United States accept the SAT, although some prefer one college entrance test over another. Please check with your desired universities to view their preferred exam.

How Much Does the SAT Cost?

The SAT registration fee is $45 for the Basic SAT, which sends out your results scores to four colleges of your choice. The SAT Subject Tests are $20/test.
Other fees
-Sending your score to additional universities: $9.50/school
-Late registration fee: $23
-Viewing your scores online: free

How do I Assess My SAT score?

The SAT gives individual test scores for all 3 sections on a scale of 200-800. The writing portion of the exam has two sub scores- one is on a 20-80 scale; the other (essay portion) is 2-12. Your composite score is created by adding all of the sections together. Your composite score will be assessed in your entrance applications to the colleges of your choice.  
When and Where is the test offered?

The SAT exam is offered 7 times a year in October, November, December, January, March, May and June.  Your SAT test scores are typically available for viewing 4 weeks after taking the exam.

There are SAT test centers conveniently located throughout all 50 states and United States territories. Please visit www.collegeboard.com to find a testing center near you.

How Can I Prepare for the SAT Exam?

You can prepare for the SAT exam by practicing full-length exams, signing up for instructor led classes, online prep courses, private tutoring, and more. There is a variety of college test prep companies who offer many services aimed to help you achieve your ideal score on the SAT. Popular SAT test prep companies include Kaplan, Princeton Review, Sylvan, PrepME, Peterson’s, and Numbertwo.com.