The SAT is one of the standardized tests the colleges use to help determine an applicant’s admission. In addition to submission requirements such as teacher recommendations, grade point average, and class rank, the SAT is used to predict how well a student will perform in college. The test measures critical thinking skills in mathematics and evidence-based reading and writing—elements that are considered essential for success at colleges and universities. The test takes 3 hours to complete and includes two scored sections:
- Evidence-Based Reading and Writing: 52 multiple-choice reading comprehension and data analysis questions and 44 multiple-choice grammar and data analysis questions.
- Mathematics: 45 multiple-choice and 13 student-produced response questions covering arithmetic, statistics, Algebra I and II, trigonometry, geometry, and data analysis.
Each of these sections is scored on a scale of 200 to 800, so your total score will range between 400 and 1600. There are multiple sub-scores available as well, including a STEM score and college readiness indicator.
We recommend that most students first take the SAT in the spring of their junior year. Nearly all students will take the test again in October after studying over the summer. You can take the SAT as many times as you would like, although most experts agree that you should not take the exam more than three times.
You can find the current test cost on the College Board website. Various services dealing with score reports, late registration, and test changes are available for an additional fee.
All registration must be done through the College Board, the makers of the SAT. You can register for the test online at the College Board website. or by mail using the packet from your guidance counselor.
