The Scholastic Aptitude Test (also known as ‘SAT’) is a reasoning test that is required for admission to undergraduate courses at universities across the globe. It is a 3-hour long test of 1600 marks, with 400 being the minimum score. SAT exams have an Evidence-Based Reading & Writing section and a Math section, each for 800 marks. The essay is optional and adds about 50 extra minimum scores.
Along with rigorous practice and preparation, one of the main tricks to score well in your SAT exam is to master the skill of time management. For that, you must begin your preparation in advance and have a clear understanding of the SAT syllabus.
In this blog, we take you through the SAT exam syllabus in detail, covering each section and all the recent changes and updates in SAT exam syllabus 2023.
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Table of Contents: |
An Overview of SAT Exam Syllabus
The Scholastic Aptitude Test syllabus comprises of four sections in general. The order of the sections is: Reading-> Writing-> Math-> Essay (optional). All the questions here are Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), except some in the Math section. Since there is no negative marking in the test, it is recommended to attempt all the questions within the given time frame.
Now let us discuss all the sections one by one in SAT paper syllabus:
SAT Reading Section
The Reading section is an important part of SAT syllabus for Indian students. As the name suggested, it is a reading comprehension section consisting of 52 questions in total. There are 5 passages followed by 10 to 11 multiple choice questions that are expected to be covered in 65 minutes.
The passages are based on topics like:
- Classical or contemporary word literature with special focus on the US
- An important document or speech about constitutional or political topics
- Any relevant topic on subjects like Sociology, Psychology, Economics, Physics, Chemistry, Earth Science, etc.
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What Are the Reading Passages in SAT Syllabus About?
The 550 to 700 word long passages in a SAT test consists of 10-11 multiple-choice questions with four answer choices. The questions are of various types like:
- The main idea or central theme of the passage
- Importance or function of a phrase used in the passage
- Style, tone, perspective or intention of the author
- Evidence that supports a stance
- Data analysis through diagrams, flow-charts or graphs
SAT Writing Section
The SAT Writing section is also a set of multiple-choice questions wherein you need to find errors and fix the sentences to be logically and grammatically correct. Overall, this section of the SAT syllabus is all about assessing your grammar, vocabulary and language skills.
It consists of 4 passages with 10 to 11 passages each that are to be covered in 35 minutes. You must first read and understand these passages and then answer the questions within the given time frame.
What Are the Writing Passages in SAT About?
The writing section in the SAT exam syllabus contains questions pertaining to sentence structure, correction of tense, punctuation, parallel construction, grammar usage, subject-verb agreement, etc.
The passages cover topics like:
- Humanities and Social Sciences
- General Science
- Careers
- Arts & History
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SAT Math Section
The math section is divided into parts. The first section is a no calculator test of 25 minutes. The second one is for 55 minutes where you can use a calculator. This section altogether has 58 questions covering topics like arithmetic, statistics, geometry, data interpretation, probability and other problem-solving questions.
The breakdown of both the sections are as follows:
No-Calculator Section
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Time Allotted |
25 minutes |
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Total Questions |
20 |
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Multiple-Choice Questions |
15 |
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Grid-in Questions |
5 |
Calculator Section
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Time Allotted |
55 minutes |
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Total Questions |
38 |
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Multiple-Choice Questions |
30 |
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Grid-in Questions |
8 |
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What are the Main Areas of SAT Math Section?
A brief overview of the questions that comprises the math SAT list syllabus is given below:
Algebra
- Graphical representation of the linear function
- Linear equations with rational coefficients
- System of linear equations (with no solution, infinite or finite solutions)
- Linear inequalities in two variables and their systems
Data Analysis & Problem Solving
- Percentages
- Unit conversion
- Ratio and Proportion
- Two-way tables to calculate conditional frequencies and conditional probabilities
- Association of variables or independence of events
- Estimation of a population parameter
- Calculation of mean, median, mode, range and standard deviation in statistics
- Evaluation of reports to check the appropriateness of data collection methods
Advanced Math
- Quadratic equations with rational coefficients
- Determining the form of an expression
- Zeros and factors of polynomials
- Non-linear relationship between two variables
- Polynomial equations (subtraction, multiplication, addition and division)
- Isolation of a variable by rearrangement of formula or equation.
SAT Exam Syllabus 2023 Updates
There have been certain changes in the Scholastic Aptitude Test syllabus 2023. The New York based organisation, College Board that conducts the SAT tests has replaced the previously present subject tests with optional essays. For the optional essays, you must keep in mind the following points:
- While the essays in the SAT exam syllabus are optional, most universities expect a decent score well in this section as well. Many universities also have it listed as an important or recommended section.
- The essay section of the SAT syllabus for Indian students is an opportunity to display your reading, writing, and analytical skills.
- This section has a 650-700 words long passage. You must begin by reading the passage with concentration so that you are able to analyze the author’s arguments and perspective. After that start writing it in a coherent manner in around 50-minute duration.
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SAT is a way to fulfil your dream of pursuing a bachelor's degree in top universities abroad. The best way to ace up your SAT preparation is to start in advance. So, buck up and start working with dedication to score well in your SAT exams. For any guidance and assistance do get in touch with our counselors at Yocket.
Frequently Asked Questions About SAT Syllabus
Ques. What is SAT exam syllabus?
Ans. The SAT exam syllabus 2023 consists of four sections altogether:
- Reading
- Writing
- Math
- Optional essay
Ques. What are the requirements for SAT exams?
Ans. The main requirement to appear for the SAT exams is a class 10th or 12th pass certificate. Other than that there is no such age bar or major eligibility criteria.
Ques. What is the purpose of SAT?
Ans. By qualifying SAT exam with flying colours you are eligible to apply for undergraduate courses at universities across the globe.
Ques. What is the purpose of the reading section in SAT?
Ans. The reading section aims to test your vocabulary, comprehension and analytical abilities.
Ques. How much time is required to prepare for SAT exam?
Ans. The time required for preparing for SAT exams depends upon a student's capabilities and hard work. On average 4 to 5 months is a decent time required to fully prepare for SAT exam.