SAT

SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test)

Formerly stood for Scholastic Aptitude Test, now simply the SAT^® is an internationally acclaimed entrance exam administered for selecting candidates for undergraduate courses in the US and other countries. SAT exam has been developed to evaluate the written, verbal and mathematical skills of the candidates. 

The test is intended to assess students' readiness for college. The SAT is designed to be aligned with high school curricula, as the questions reflect more closely what students learn in high school. If the student is looking to get admission to a particular course, s/he can take the SAT subject tests to show his knowledge and understanding of that particular subject. Subject tests are offered in areas like Literature, History, Mathematics, Sciences and Foreign Languages.  Each year, SAT is taken by over three million aspirants on a global scale. The SAT Test 2018 is conducted internationally in the months of October, December, March, May, and June (SAT Subject test). The SAT Test Dates for the US candidates are scheduled in the months of May, June, August, October, November, December, and March. The College Board^® is the conducting authority founded in 1900 is composed of more than 6,000 schools, colleges, universities and other educational organizations. 

SAT Details:

SAT Registration, Fee and Testing time

Two methods which are widely used to register for SAT 2018 are Online and via Mail. Although registering online is the quickest and the most convenient way to apply for SAT test, prospective test takers need to register by mail ONLY if they are below 13 years of age.

One can take up to three SAT Subject Tests on a single test date by paying $26. For every additional subject, test takers need to add $22 (Except Language Tests with Listening). The cost of the SAT test with and without Essay are $64.50 and $47.50 respectively.

All test centres across the globe open at 7:45 am and doors close at 8 am. unless otherwise mentioned on the admission ticket. Candidates are not allowed to enter once test starts under any circumstances. If one is late or absent on test day, he/she has the option to re-schedule. SAT Testing commences between 8:30 and 9 am.

SAT Pattern

SAT exam has three sections, namely, Math, Reading, and Writing. There is an optional section which is called the Essay, which has one 50 minutes long substantial passage from which the student needs to build their argument. Students are not scored on this section.

SAT paper pattern :

Scoring in SAT

The SAT is divided into two sections:

1. Reading and Writing

2.Mathematics

These two sections are scored on a 200-800 point scale, for a maximum total score of 1600. 

SAT subject test scores are measured on a scale of 200 to 800. There are additional subscores reported on a 20-80 scale. The scores of a student reflect on how he/she compared with other students who took the test. An average SAT score is around 1000. Anything above 1200 is considered a good SAT score. The maximum anyone can score on SAT is the perfect score of 1600. Since you receive scaled scores, you should have some understanding of SAT scaled scores and percentiles.

SAT Score Structure and Validity

SAT Scores: The total SAT score ranges between 400-1600. The Evidence-Based Reading and Writing Section score ranges between 200–800 and the Mathematics section is scored on a 200 to 800-point scale. Finally, the optional essay is scored on the scale between 2 to 8. There is no composite SAT Essay score to be precise, the three scores are not added together and there are no percentiles provided by the conducting body.

Validity: SAT scores are valid for five years from the date of the test. Test takers can request a Question-and-Answer Service up to five months after their respective test dates.

SAT Schedule 2018-19

*Not all SAT Subject Tests are offered on each test date. 
**If you take the SAT with Essay, you'll receive your essay score after you receive section scores for Math and Evidence-Based Reading and Writing.

SAT Results

SAT test results are typically released within 4-5 weeks of the test administration and can be viewed online. Students can choose to send their test scores to colleges of their choice. They also have the option to cancel their test score or withhold them from being sent to certain colleges. 

Additional Info

Breaks between SAT exam-Typically, there is one 10-minute and one five-minute break during the test, the only times one can eat and drink. However, the ID and the admission ticket should always be handy as they will be checked every time candidates enter the testing room.

Support- For assistance related to exam, test takers may visit the official website, sat.collegeboard.org. The College Board offers free SAT sample papers & free practice tests as well.