The SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) is an entrance exam used by most colleges and universities to make admissions decisions. It is a multiple-choice, pencil-and-paper test administered by the College Board.
The purpose of the SAT is to measure a high school student's readiness for college and provide colleges with one common data point that can be used to compare all applicants. College admissions officers will review standardized test scores alongside your high school GPA, the classes you took in high school, letters of recommendation from teachers or mentors, extracurricular activities, admissions interviews, and personal essays. How important SAT scores are in the college application process varies from school to school. Many colleges require scores from the SAT or ACT tests as a part of the admissions process. In general, your SAT score is a key component of your college applications.
A short format of your SAT Examination is as shown below.
|
SAT Length |
3 hours (plus 50 minutes if taking optional Essay) |
|
|
|
SAT Cost |
$47.50 ($64.50 if taking SAT with Essay) |
|
Highest SAT Score |
1600 |
|
Average SAT Score |
1060 |
The higher you score on the SAT, the more options for attending and paying for college will be available to you.
This is how the SAT sections with its entire contents are divided.
|
Reading |
Writing and Language |
Math |
Essay (Optional) |
|
|
Order on Test |
1st |
2nd |
3rd |
4th |
|
Number of Questions |
52 |
44 |
58 (20 No Calculator, 38 Calculator) |
1 |
|
Question Format |
Multiple choices |
Multiple choices |
Multiple choices, grid-ins |
Essay |
|
Time |
65 minutes |
35 minutes |
80 minutes (25 mins No Calculator, 55 mins Calculator) |
50 minutes |
|
Skills Tested |
Command of Evidence Words in Context |
Command of Evidence Words in Context Expression of Ideas Standard English Conventions |
Heart of Algebra Problem Solving and Data Analysis Passport to Advanced Math Additional Topics in Math |
Reading Analysis Writing |
|
Scoring |
Combined with Writing and Language for a total Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) score on a scale of 200-800 |
Combined with Reading for a total Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) score on a scale of 200-800 |
No Calculator and Calculator subsections are combined for a total Math score on a scale of 200-800 |
Three separate scores (Reading, Analysis, Writing), each on a scale of 2-8 |
