Getting ready for college and puzzled about which exams to take? It’s normal to feel a bit stressed about it. Don’t worry – we have prepared a detailed guide describing the SAT test, one of the most important exams for college admissions. In our blog, we’ll dive into what the SAT includes, how much it costs, the four SAT sections, and tips on how to prepare effectively!
What Is SAT? – Key Insights for Students
If you’re not sure what the SAT is all about, you’re in the right place Let’s learn about one of the most crucial exams for intending students.
What Is the SAT Exam?
The SAT, or Scholastic Aptitude Test, is a key college entrance exam. Over 4,000 colleges in the US and universities in 85 other countries use it as part of their admissions process. It’s a multiple-choice test, traditionally taken with a pencil on paper, and is administered by the College Board.
What Is the SAT Score?
The comprehensive SAT test is designed to assess high school students’ readiness for college. It covers math, reading, writing, and language skills. There’s also an optional essay, assessed separately. The highest possible SAT score is 1,600, with the US national average around 1,105. The higher your score, the better your chances of getting into your dream college.
Source: Wisewoter
How Much Does SAT Cost?
The base price for the SAT exam is $60. But watch out for extra charges – late registration costs an additional $30, and changing your registration details will make another $25. You get four free score reports per registration, but if you need more, they are $14 each. College Board can waive these fees, but you must be eligible and meet certain criteria, so check with them first.
Source: College Board
And if you’re curious about alternatives to the SAT, like the ACT, we’ve got you covered about the ACT in another one of our blogs.
How Long Is Each Section of the SAT?
The exam consists of 154 multiple choice questions spread across 3 main SAT sections and spanning a total of three hours, with a total of 15 minutes to rest. But if you want to write an essay, that’s an additional 50 minutes.
Interesting fact: the SAT provides 43% more time to solve a question than the ACT.
Let’s get into the specifics of each SAT section.
Section #1: Reading
The reading SAT section involves 52 questions with a 65-minute time limit. You will face five reading passages, each ranging from 500 to 750 words, followed by a series of multiple-choice questions.
Source: College Board
The passages cover a diverse range of topics:
- A piece from a work of fiction.
- Excerpts from US founding documents.
- Texts from social sciences like economics, psychology, or sociology.
- Two scientific papers covering fields like earth science, biology, chemistry, or physics.
This section tests your comprehension, analytical skills, and understanding of the author’s arguments. Remember, your answers should be based solely on the content of the passages, not your personal views.
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Section #2: SAT Writing & Language
After the Reading section, due to SAT section times, you will have a 10-minute break before you tackle Writing and Language. Here, you have 35 minutes to answer 44 questions.
Source: College Board
You will have four passages, each about 400 words, covering topics from the humanities to natural sciences. Some may include graphs, requiring your interpretative skills. Each passage is accompanied by 11 multiple-choice questions focusing on identifying and improving stylistic or grammatical issues. Prepare for some tricky questions in this section.
Section #3: Math
You will have 80 minutes to solve the Math section. It consists of 2 parts:
- No-Calculator Portion: For 25 minutes, you will solve 15 multiple-choice and 5 grid-in questions, all without the help of a calculator.
- Calculator Portion: Here, you can use a calculator to solve 38 questions (30 multiple-choice and 8 grid-in) over 55 minutes. You will have a 5-minute break before this part.
Source: College Board
The Math section covers four main areas, predominantly focused on algebra:
- Algebra: 19 questions
- Problem Solving and Data Analysis: 17 questions, including ratio, proportion, units, percentage calculations, and graph analysis.
- Passport to Advanced Math: 16 questions on complex equations, functions, and statistics.
- Additional Topics in Math: 6 questions on geometry, trigonometry, and volume formulas.
Source: College Board
Optional Section #4: An Essay
Choosing to write the essay won’t impact your overall SAT score but can be a plus for college admissions. This section requires crafting an essay of 650-750 words on a given topic, showcasing clear and precise argumentation.
Two examiners will check your essay separately, and each will score your essay from 1 to 4 points on three indicators:
- Reading: The readability and engagement of your essay.
- Analysis: The depth and clarity of your analysis.
- Writing: Language variety, grammar, and style.
Remember, the examiners’ scores are independent and not combined.
Tips to Make the Most of SAT
Knowing about sections in SAT is good, but to really ace the test, there are some things that you need to keep in mind. We have listed a few of these points below.
Tip #1: Make a Preparation Plan
You may have a lot of time to spare, but you risk not being successful without a clear plan. Start by making a study checklist. Pay special attention to your weaknesses. It is also good to pick up all the necessary preparatory literature. And don’t forget to set a personal score goal. It all depends on the college or university you choose, so it’s essential to decide in advance.
Tip #2: Study Regularly and Practice
Whether you’re going solo or getting a tutor, make the most of the many online opportunities available for SAT prep. Ask questions and cover topics in as much detail as possible. And, of course, regular practice is the key to your future success.
Tip #3: Be Ready for the Test Day
It’s not just about what you know. It’s also about being prepared for the test day. To ensure you remember everything, here’s a quick checklist:
- Valid photo ID
- Admission ticket
- No. 2 pencils and erasers
- An acceptable calculator with extra batteries
- A watch to keep time
Feel free to bring water or snacks for breaks – remember, it’s a 3-hour marathon. Leave behind any noisy distractions, like photo or video equipment, and, of course, cheat sheets.
Conclusion
The SAT might seem like a riddle at first, but it’s really about testing what you know in a relatively short time. Your chances of admission to colleges and your future profession depend on your success in passing it. So, work hard while you have time for it, and it will eventually pay off.
