The Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT), previously known as the Scholastic Aptitude Test, is a standardized entrance test conducted by the College Board for students who want to pursue higher education in undergraduate schools, colleges, or universities in the United States. This exam is usually attempted by high school juniors and seniors who want to enroll in undergraduate programs. SAT evaluates a student’s critical reading, writing, and mathematical knowledge and skills.
Your SAT score combined with your high school Grade Point Average (GPA) is an indicator of how well you’re prepared to pursue undergraduate studies in college. Most colleges and universities in the U.S. that offer 4-year undergraduate courses require an SAT score or its equivalent American College Testing (ACT) score as part of the application process for freshman admission.
Given the importance of the SAT, how do you study for the exam during COVID? Online learning has become a major coping mechanism for academic matters during a global pandemic. You can make use of online tutoring services to study for your SAT. Here’s an important tip – start preparing for the exams 6 to 7 months in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About SAT
How to register for the SAT?
Since this standardized college entrance test is owned and administered by the College Board, you have to register online at their official website or offline via mail at least 3 weeks before the exam date.
When is SAT conducted?
SAT exams are conducted 7 times a year for students in the United States and 4 times a year for international students. For domestic students, the exam is usually conducted in August, October, November, December, March, May, and June. For international students, the exam is scheduled in October, December, March, and May.
What is the content/syllabus of the SAT exam?
SAT has four sections; Reading, Writing and Language, Math Test with Calculator, and Math Test with No Calculator. There is also an optional Essay section.
What is the structure of the SAT Reading section?
The Reading section consists of 52 multiple choice questions for 65 minutes. The questions are based on reading passages taken from History, Science, and Social Studies.
What is the structure of the SAT Writing and Language section?
The Writing and Language section consists of 44 multiple choice questions for 35 minutes. The questions are based on reading passages. The questions will include making corrections or suggestions to word/sentence structures, present topic arguments, improve word choice/usage, punctuation, etc.
What is the structure of the SAT Math section?
The Math test consists of two sections; Math Test with No Calculator and Math Test with Calculator. Math Test With No-Calculator consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 grid-in questions for 25 minutes. Math Test with Calculator consists of 30 multiple choice questions and 8 grid-in questions for 55 minutes. The questions are based on topics like statistics, algebra, geometry, and probability, and data analysis.
What is the total duration of SAT?
The duration of the exam is 3 hours for SAT and 3 hours 50 minutes for SAT with Essay.
How is the SAT scored?
The total SAT score ranges from 400 to 1600 points; it combines results from two 200 to 800-point sections. There is no negative scoring in SAT. Each correct answer is awarded one point. SAT scores will be available after 3 weeks from the date of taking the exam. A score of 1200 and above is considered a good SAT score for admissions in reputable schools, colleges, and universities.
Why is it important to take SAT?
Colleges and Universities in the United States require your SAT score in addition to your high school GPA to assess your preparedness for higher education. SAT score is a part of the application process for freshman admission to 4-year undergraduate programs.
How to prepare for SAT during COVID?
This year, with the outbreak of COVID-19, online learning has made it possible for schools and colleges to resume classes and conduct tests for students all over the world. Several online tutoring services offer SAT prep materials and guidance to students who are preparing for their 2020 college entrance exams. You can choose to study for the standardized test on your own or use an online tutoring service to prep for the exam.
How much does it cost to take SAT?
The exam fee for domestic students is $52 for SAT alone and $68 for SAT with Essay. International students have to pay additional processing fees. There are additional fees to be paid for circumstances like late registration, change in test centers or dates, request additional score reports, score verification, registration by phone, etc. For further information, news, or updates on SAT 2020, please check the College Board website.
We wish you all the very best for your SAT exam!
