What is SAT: Structure, Fees, Registration & Prep Tips
“What is SAT?”
“What is the format of the SAT like?”
“How will the SAT help my career?”
If these questions are whirling in your head and leaving you dizzy, look no further!
From learning about the SAT to acing a strategy to planning the next steps, this article will bear it all!
Let’s first understand the basics, starting with the importance of the SAT and then going on to the test structure. Once you are done with these, we will share some exciting tips on preparation to help you do better than your buddies in school. 😎
What is SAT?
Okay, this seems like a really basic question. But it’s super important to know about the test before we jump on to the other parts.
The SAT is a standardized test conducted by the College Board for undergraduate admissions in the United States. It is a multiple-choice test and is available in pencil and paper format. It doesn’t matter if you wish to study in-state or out-of-state, you have to take the SAT regardless.
In fact, colleges and universities use it to make admission decisions about your candidature. A high score on the SAT indicates that you are academically ready for college. It also increases your chances of getting into a top college. And perhaps, gain some scholarships too. So good, isn’t it?
Why Take the SAT Test?
Because it is important, haha!
On a more serious note, the SAT is necessary to apply to colleges or universities. Here are some more reasons why you cannot miss out on taking the test.
Essential for Admissions
The SAT is an important part of the college admissions process. It is equally important to your admissions, like your high school transcripts. Without the SAT score, you may not be able to apply to the best colleges in the country. You would possibly miss out on an Ivy League college too, without a (good) SAT score.
Shows Preparedness for College
The SAT is a standardized entrance test which shows your level of readiness for college. It acts as a measurement of your academic ability when compared to all other students across the country. A competitive score on the SAT (say above, 1300) can get you admission to a leading university or college.
Measures Key Skills
Very few tests would measure skills like reading, writing, language, and math like the SAT. It’s a great way to test your skills against peers across the United States, letting you know about your strengths and weak areas.
Access to Scholarships
Some universities may offer scholarships if you have a good SAT score. This will lower your tuition fee as well as your financial stress!
Showcase your Profile
A good SAT score can showcase the strength of your academic profile. It can cover up for a low high school GPA. The extent of importance given to the SAT score may vary, but it definitely makes the admissions committee think twice before rejecting your application.
Boosts your Application
Admission to colleges doesn’t depend only on your high school GPA, nor does it hinge on the SAT test score. It’s usually a mix of both plus your letters of recommendation, personal essays, extracurricular activities, and more. However, a top SAT score can boost your chance by adding more weight to your overall application in the eyes of the admissions committee.
Which Institutes Accept the SAT Scores?
All major colleges and universities across the USA accept the SAT score. The minimum cut-off score may vary depending on the program and the university department. We will list some of the top colleges accepting the SAT below.
| College/University Name | City and State |
|---|---|
| Harvard University | Cambridge, Massachusetts |
| Stanford University | Stanford, California |
| University of Pennsylvania | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | Cambridge, Massachusetts |
| Duke University | Durham, North Carolina |
| Columbia University | New York City, New York |
| Yale University | New Haven, Connecticut |
| Princeton University | Princeton, New Jersey |
| Carnegie Mellon University | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania |
| University of California Berkeley | Berkeley, California |
In addition to these, many other institutions also accept SAT scores such as the University of North Carolina Charlotte, Washington University in St. Louis, the University of Houston, and more.
When to take the SAT Exam?
The SAT is conducted seven times a year. It is held on any one Saturday in the months of March, May, June, August, October, November, and December.
Best time to take SAT is during the Spring of your junior year or the Fall of your senior year. By this time, you would have studied most of the subjects and topics required to ace the exam.
When you start in time, it also allows you to assess your scores and take a call on re-appearing for the test. By the way, there are no limits to the number of attempts at the SAT. Some students even take it after completing high school.
How to Register for the SAT in the USA?
You can register for the SAT exam on the Collegeboard portal. The registration for each test closes 4 to 5 weeks before the actual test date. The portal also allows you to make any last-minute changes and cancellations upto 2 weeks before the test.
The registration process takes about half an hour. It requires you to first create a free Collegeboard account. Then, you choose the test date, select a test center from multiple locations around your home, and then complete the registration process.
SAT Test Fee
The registration fee for the SAT in the USA is $60. You may also be charged an additional fee for a change of test center, cancellations, and late registration. If you ask for additional score reports, there will be an extra charge levied for the service.
How is the SAT Exam Structured?
The SAT is a three-hour test. It consists mainly of three sections: Reading, Writing & Language, and Math. The math section is further subdivided into
- Math Calculator, and
- Math No-calculator section.
On the calculator part of the test, you have to answer 38 questions in 55 minutes. On the no-calculator part, you have to answer 20 questions in 25 minutes.
Most questions are in a multiple-choice format where you have to select the right options(s). However, a few questions in the math section do require you to write the answer. By the way, there are no penalties for guessing the right answer. If you get your guesswork right,
Do check the exact break-up of the test sections and the time allowed for each.
| Section | Number of Questions | Time Limit (min) |
|---|---|---|
| Reading | 52 | 65 |
| Writing and Language | 44 | 35 |
| Math | 58 | 80 |
| Total | 154 | 180 |
How to Prepare for the SAT Exam?
“Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice, and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do.” – Pelé
With this, you probably know that acing the test will require hard work and dedication. But it will also require a good strategy.
To prepare for the SAT and increase your chances of getting into a top-ranked U.S. university, follow this roadmap:
Start Early
Begin your SAT prep preferably in your junior year. Familiarize yourself with the test format and content. Take a diagnostic test to identify your strengths and weaknesses. You could take one that your high school may offer or find a free test from a trusted source online.
Set a Study Schedule
Create a study schedule that includes consistent, structured practice. Allocate at least 1-2 hours per day for focused study sessions.
Study Materials
Use official SAT prep materials, books and online resources. Consider enrolling in a preparatory course or working with a tutor if possible.
Practice, Practice, Practice
Regularly take full-length practice tests to build test-taking stamina and track your progress. Analyze your mistakes to focus on weak areas. Identify your strengths too, so that you can feel assured and confident going forward.
Improve on your Weaknesses
Dedicate extra time to improving your weak areas, whether it’s math, reading, or writing. Use Khan Academy, the College Board website or other online resources for targeted practice.
Final Month
In the last few weeks leading up to the test, intensify your practice and take more practice tests. Review key strategies, timing, and test-taking techniques.
Test Day Prep
It is okay to feel anxious the day before the test. But you must relax. Don’t take it easy or cram too much in your head. Do the basics right.
Ensure you have your ID, admission ticket, and necessary supplies ready. Most importantly, get a good night’s sleep!
Should I take the SAT or the ACT
“Take the SAT. Everyone’s preparing for it.”
“Nah, ACT is better. A senior in high school did well and got into his dream college.”
“Appear for both, the more the merrier..”
SAT or ACT – Which one should you appear for? Is there an easy, quick answer?
The first thing to do is not jump to conclusions. Neither test is easier or harder than the other. It depends on your interests, your comfort, and the preference of your college and its program.
Second, take some practice tests. If you are at the start of your preparation, it’s good to take a few SAT tests and a handful on the ACT too. This way, you’ll understand how to manage time on both and the nature of questions.
Based on the above pointers, you can figure out which works best for you!
From the Desk of Yocket
The SAT is an essential test for college admissions. If you are considering it as a high-school junior, take the time to learn about the test, its format, structure, and scoring pattern.
Make sure you build a good study schedule, use resources available on the College Board and Khan Academy and get the right study materials. Start preparing for the test in advance and get support from Yocket tutors or study groups, if possible. The SAT can be a little tricky; but with solid preparation, you can crack it!
Frequently Asked Questions About SAT
1. How Long is the SAT?
The SAT is a three-hour test, which includes two small breaks. It consists of three major sections: 1. Reading 2. Writing and Language 3. Math Most questions are in a multiple-choice format, requiring you to select an existing option.
2. Is the SAT Hard?
It is hard because the test is timed and you really need to be prepared well. But if you have, then a good score is within reach. You can train for the SAT by
1. Starting early: Make sure you begin preparations for the test at least 6 months in advance. Stick to a schedule that works for you.
2. Practice, Practice, Practice: Take practice tests online. Both Khan Academy and College Board provide plenty of resources to help you study and take enough tests to be exam-ready.
3. Seek help, if needed: The SAT can get hard, really hard. You can either find a group of your classmates or create a study group.
3. What SAT Score Do I Need to Get Into College?
You could get total SAT scores between 400 and 1600. Between the two sections of the test, you may get anywhere between 200 and 800.
A good SAT score is subjective and depends on the institution and program of choice. For example, the score you may need to get into Harvard may be different from say, Northern Arizona University.
4. Does the SAT have Breaks?
Yes, it does! A three-hour test can take a lot out of you. The administrators understand that and have arranged for a few short breaks in between the tests. This means that you get breathing space but continue to stay focused on the exam. So, you get the first interval after the Reading section courtesy of a 10-minute break. After the Writing and Language section, you get a 5-minute break as well. There’s another 5-minute break between the Math No-Calculator and Math Calculator sections. In all, you have a total break time of 20 minutes while appearing for the test.
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