All About the…
-
The SAT is a standardized college admissions test in the US, administered by the College Board, that assesses high school students' readiness for college.
It uses a computer-based (as of March 2024, was previously taken on paper), adaptive test that measures skills in reading, writing, and math that are needed for college success.
Structure and scoring
Sections: Reading and Writing, and Math.
Total score: Up to 1600, with scores for each section ranging from 200 to 800.
Total time: 2 hours and 14 minutes, with a 10-minute break. (Previously 3 hours and 45 minutes)
Adaptive format: The difficulty of the second module in each section depends on your performance on the first module. (As of March 2024)
-
Not all colleges/universities are test-optional, meaning they do NOT require any SAT scores!
Test dates and timing
The test is offered seven times a year: March, May, June, August, October, November, and December.
It is recommended to take the test at least twice and at least four weeks before any application deadlines.
What’s a good score?
The national average is around 1060.
A "competitive" score is typically 1300–1400 or higher.
Scores of 1450+ are considered competitive for most highly selective universities, with top universities often seeing scores in the 1500+ range.
When to Take the Test
It's recommended to take the SAT for the first time in the spring of your junior year. This allows ample time for retakes.
Be sure to confirm the last possible date you can take the test with your college application deadlines!
Sending Your Scores To Colleges & Universities
When you sign up for the SAT, you can select up to four colleges to send your scores to for FREE.
After you take the test, you can send scores to more colleges for a fee.
(Fee waivers are available, based on income. Reach out to your guidance office first, then College Board.)
Make sure you read over any college/university-specific scoring policy!
Some require you to share all test scores.
Others will accept only your best combined score from a single test date.
For ease, it is recommended to submit all scores to all your colleges/universities.
-
Take timed practice tests and study sample questions.
College Board offers free practice tests via khanacademy.
Be sure to take the PSAT offered at your school to identify areas where you need improvement.
Also, most schools have the SAT School Day, so take advantage! And it’s FREE!
Take the SAT more than once!
Use extra time strategically to find careless errors.
Make sure to annotate passages!
DO NOT rely on answer choice patterns!
Learn how to use the built-in DESMOS graphing calculator in advance.
Know if you need any accommodations.
Relax!! Stress does not help you at all. So make sure you have a good night’s rest, eat a healthy breakfast, and just try your best!
Resources
College Board
SAT
SAT School Day
PSAT/NMSQT
ACT
**The ACT is another widely used standardized testing choice.
Check Out Our Socials!
Make sure to check out and follow our social media to stay updated on important dates, see what’s happening in the program, learn new and fun facts, test your knowledge, and more!
All of our socials (Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn) are linked at the bottom of the page!
