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The Definitive Practice Test Guide for the SAT Exam
- About the SAT Exam
- SAT Scoring
- SAT Test Breakdown
- Sections of the SAT Exam
- What to Expect on Test Day
- Best Ways to Study for the SAT Exam
- SAT Tips and Tricks
- SAT Exam FAQ:
About the SAT Exam
The Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) is a standardized test widely used by colleges and universities in the U.S. as part of their admissions process. Originally introduced in 1926, the SAT has undergone numerous revisions to better align with college readiness standards. The most recent change occurred in 2024, when the SAT transitioned to a digital format. This shift brought a more adaptive, streamlined approach to testing, offering a more flexible and student-friendly experience.
The digital SAT is designed to measure high school students’ readiness for college by assessing their skills in reasoning, problem-solving, and analytical thinking. The test is closely aligned with the PSAT/NMSQT, providing students with a consistent way to prepare for college admissions.
SAT Scoring
The SAT provides a standardized metric that colleges use to evaluate applicants, and a strong score can help boost your application. The digital SAT offers a breakdown of your performance through your total score, section scores, cross-test scores, and subscores.
Total Score (400-1600)
Your total score ranges between 400 and 1600, and it is the sum of your two section scores: Reading and Writing and Math. This score is derived from your raw scores (the number of questions answered correctly) and converted to a scaled score. The scaling process ensures that different test versions are accounted for, providing a fair assessment.
Section Scores (200-800)
Each of the two sections—Reading and Writing and Math—is scored between 200 and 800. Your report includes a college readiness benchmark for each section, indicating whether your score meets or exceeds expectations for college readiness. A green checkmark means you’ve met the benchmark, while a red or yellow exclamation mark means you’re below it.
Reading and Writing
This section assesses your ability to comprehend, interpret, and analyze short passages, as well as your command of standard written English. The digital SAT’s Reading and Writing section is adaptive and tests students’ skills in understanding written materials, evaluating grammar, and improving sentence structure.
Math
The Math section evaluates your ability to solve problems using algebra, advanced math concepts, and data analysis. Unlike the previous SAT versions, the digital SAT allows the use of a calculator for all math questions. This section covers four key areas:
- Heart of Algebra: Focuses on solving and interpreting linear equations and inequalities.
- Problem Solving and Data Analysis: Includes analyzing ratios, percentages, and interpreting graphs and data.
- Passport to Advanced Math: Involves manipulating complex equations and understanding polynomial expressions.
- Additional Topics in Math: Includes geometry and trigonometry concepts.
Cross-Test Scores (10-40)
Cross-test scores measure how well you perform in History/Social Studies and Science across both the Reading and Writing and Math sections. These scores range from 10 to 40 and reflect your ability to apply analytical and problem-solving skills in these subject areas.
Subscores (1-15)
Your report also provides subscores, which offer a more detailed view of your performance in specific skill areas. These are reported on a scale from 1 to 15 and cover the following areas:
- Command of Evidence: How well you interpret and use evidence from passages.
- Words in Context: Your ability to understand vocabulary in context.
- Expression of Ideas: Your skill in improving passages for clarity, organization, and argument.
- Standard English Conventions: Your understanding of grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure.
- Heart of Algebra: Your ability to work with linear equations and inequalities.
- Problem Solving and Data Analysis: Your skills in analyzing quantitative data.
- Passport to Advanced Math: Your proficiency in working with more complex equations and functions.
SAT Test Breakdown
Reading and Writing
In the digital SAT, the Reading and Writing section combines comprehension and grammar into a single test module. This section consists of 54 questions and lasts 64 minutes. It includes shorter passages with questions assessing reading comprehension, vocabulary in context, and grammar knowledge.
Math
The Math section includes 44 questions and is completed over 70 minutes. Students are allowed to use a calculator for the entire Math section, which covers algebra, advanced math concepts, problem-solving, and data analysis.
Sections of the SAT Exam
Math: Calculator
The Math: Calculator section of the SAT exam assesses students’ quantitative skills and their ability to apply mathematical concepts in various contexts. This section allows test-takers to use a calculator to solve a mixture of multiple-choice and grid-in questions, covering topics like algebra, advanced math, problem-solving, and data analysis. The inclusion of the calculator is intended to measure a student’s understanding and application of math rather than simple computation. However, students are expected to discern when and how to use the calculator effectively, as some problems may be more efficiently solved without it.
Math: No Calculator
The Math: No Calculator section of the SAT exam assesses a student’s ability to solve mathematical problems without the aid of a calculator. It includes both multiple-choice and grid-in questions, covering various mathematical concepts, such as algebra, advanced arithmetic, and basic geometry. This portion of the test emphasizes logic, problem-solving skills, and a deep understanding of foundational mathematical principles. With a time limit of 25 minutes, students must work efficiently to solve the 20 questions presented in this section.
Reading and Writing
The SAT Reading and Writing section is designed to evaluate your ability to comprehend complex texts and articulate your understanding through effective reading and writing skills. This section challenges you to analyze passages from a variety of genres, including literature, historical documents, social sciences, and natural sciences. You’ll need to demonstrate your ability to interpret evidence, understand context, and identify an author’s intent, tone, and point of view.
What to Expect on Test Day
Examinees may take the SAT either on a regular school day (for those schools that allow it) or register at a testing center independent of their school. In either instance, the school or the testing center will provide you with important information, such as when and where to arrive, what to bring, policies for allowable items, and any information you may need to successfully complete the test.
The SAT is a long and comprehensive exam, and you will likely focus better if you arrive well-rested and after eating. Doing this will prevent you from becoming distracted by hunger or drowsiness.
What to Bring
Prior to taking the exam, you will need to provide an acceptable form of photo identification. It must be either government-issued or issued by the school that you currently attend. It must also have a recognizable photo and bear your full, legal name exactly as it appears on your admission ticket. You will also need to provide your up-to-date admission ticket during registration.
Check with your exam center to find out which form you will be taking. One form of the SAT exam is a paper-and-pencil exam, meaning that you must also bring two No. 2 pencils with erasers. You should also bring an approved calculator. If you are uncertain whether your calculator is an approved model, you can check with the testing center or online. It is also recommended that you bring a watch (not one on a phone) and extra batteries or a backup calculator, although they will not be allowed on your desk during the exam. You must ask permission to access them, if necessary. You can also bring a bag or backpack with drinks and snacks that you can consume during your break time.
What Not to Bring
You should not bring any electronic devices with you on the day of the exam, including digital watches, items with cameras, or other wearable devices that can sync to another device to record, transmit, receive, or play back any content. Tablets, laptops, and other computer devices are also prohibited, along with cell phones and anything else that can be used for testing.
You also should not bring any study aids or reference materials as they are prohibited. This prohibition includes compasses, rulers, protractors, highlighters, colored or mechanical pencils, pamphlets, and dictionaries or reference books.
Best Ways to Study for the SAT Exam
Take SAT Practice Tests
For many students, the SAT exam may be the most significant standardized exam that they take. And since the ability to get into a good college is largely based on SAT performance, there is a lot of pressure to do well on the exam. One of the best ways to ensure that you are prepared to succeed on this exam is by taking practice tests. Practices tests help you to become familiar with the format of the exam and the types of questions you will encounter. They can also help you to identify the areas in which you should spend the most time studying.
In addition to the interactive, computer-based practice tests for the SAT found on this website, the College Board releases official practice tests you can take at home. These paper-based tests are printable and the closest you will get to a real SAT exam. Keep in mind, however, that while the content, difficulty level, and layout will be very similar to what you will see on test day, they will not be the exact same questions. Current versions of the test are not released to the public to prevent cheating.
Use Alternative Study Methods
When preparing to take the SAT, many students find that alternative study methods, such as using flashcards and study guides, can provide a more well-rounded study experience. Incorporating additional study methods can also help improve retention of the information.
Simulate the SAT Testing Experience
The SAT exam is timed, so before taking the actual test, it can be very helpful to simulate the entire testing experience, including taking all sections within the allotted time requirements. Going through a simulation like this can help you to determine how to pace yourself so that you have time to answer all of the questions. It can also help you understand how well you perform over an extended period. If you know you may experience mental fatigue at a certain point in the exam, you can develop strategies to overcome this fatigue.
SAT Tips and Tricks
If You Don’t Know the Answer, Guess
One benefit of the digital SAT is that there is no penalty for guessing. This means that if you’re unsure of an answer, you won’t lose points for guessing incorrectly. It’s always better to make an educated guess than to leave a question unanswered, as a correct guess could boost your score. So, make sure you attempt every question, even if you’re unsure of the answer.
Focus on the Questions You Know First
The digital SAT uses an adaptive format, so you can’t move freely back and forth within a section like in the paper-based test. However, within each module of the digital SAT, you can still complete the questions you’re most confident in first. This allows you to efficiently manage your time and tackle the more challenging questions afterward. Prioritize the questions you find easiest, and then return to the more difficult ones with your remaining time.
Pace Yourself to Complete Each Section
Time management is key to doing well on the SAT. With set time limits for each section, it’s important to maintain a steady pace. Keep an eye on the digital timer provided during the test to ensure you’re making consistent progress. If you find yourself running out of time, focus on answering as many questions as possible, even if it means making educated guesses on the final few..
SAT Exam FAQ:
1. How much does it cost to take the SAT?
The cost to register for the SAT is $68, with additional fees for late registration, cancelling registration, and changing test center locations. Students and families struggling with the exam fees should inquire with the school counselor to determine if they are eligible for a fee waiver.
2. Is there any recourse if I am unhappy with my performance on the SAT?
If you are unhappy with the test upon finishing it, you can cancel your scores by submitting a “Request to Cancel Test Scores” form, either immediately after finishing or within a few days by mailing the form to Educational Testing Services. They must receive this form by the Thursday after your exam date in order to process the cancellation.
3. When should I start preparing for the SAT?
How long you spend preparing for the SAT exam is entirely up to you and your educational goals after completing high school. As a general rule, most students begin preparing between five and 12 weeks before their scheduled exam date. To help maximize the time you have to study, Union Test Prep offers a lessons feature that breaks down the information you need to know based on how many days you have until your test. Check it out!
4. Can I retake the SAT?
Yes, you may take the SAT exam as many times as you would like. However, if your desired college requires you to send all copies of your score reports, you may want to minimize the amount of times you take the exam. The best strategy is to prepare adequately and ensure you are ready to achieve a great score either the first or second time you take the exam.
5. Is there an essay on the SAT?
The SAT essay became optional in 2016, and then was discontinued completely in 2021.
6. What is the Digital SAT?
The Digital SAT are a series of test updates made by the College Board that went into effect in March of 2023 for international students, and the spring of 2024 for students in the United States. Changes and improvements include:
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Shorter reading passages with one question per passage mean the SAT takes two hours instead of three.
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Calculators are allowed on every math section, with an on-screen calculator built into the testing app.
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The paper-and-pencil format was replaced by a computerized version of the test so students can take the test on their school or personal laptop. However, unlike many other standardized tests, students are unable to take the test at home with a proctor.