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The Definitive Practice Test Guide for the SAT Exam

About the SAT Exam

The Scholastic Aptitude Test, or SAT, is an entrance exam used by most colleges and universities when making decisions about admission. The exam was originally created at Columbia University in 1899 by a group represented by 12 universities and three secondary schools. It was first administered by the College Board in 1901, although the test wasn’t officially introduced until 1926.

Since its initial introduction, the exam has gone through many changes, most recently in 2016. It is designed to measure the readiness of junior and senior high school students for college. The changes in 2016 put more emphasis on reasoning skills, rather than the memorization of facts. It is also more closely aligned with the PSAT/NMSQT® exam that students may take earlier in their high school education.

SAT Scoring

Since the SAT, like the ACT, provides a common data point that all colleges can use to compare applicants, a good score is desirable—especially if you are applying to a prestigious or rigorous college program. Obtaining a good score requires a ton of preparation across all of the content that will be found on the exam.

Your SAT Score Report displays scores in various areas. We will break them down from most general to the most granular below.

Total Score (400-1600)

Your SAT Total Score is the sum of your two section scores and will be displayed as a number between 400-1600. This number is calculated by converting your raw score (how many questions you answered correctly) into a scaled score, which is a more consistent, generalized way of scoring. While scaled scores may seem more confusing than simple percentage scores, they’re thought to benefit test-takers in that they help level the playing field between the various different versions of the test.

Section Scores (200-800)

The two SAT sections are Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and Math. Each section will be displayed with a scaled score ranging between 200-800. For each section you will see a benchmark symbol that indicates if your section score is above or below college readiness standards. A green checkmark indicates your section score meets or exceeds the benchmark, while a yellow or red exclamation point indicates you are below the benchmark.

Evidence-Based Reading and Writing

The Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section is made up of two parts, the Reading portion and the Writing and Language Test. The scores from these sections are combined to form the total score for the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section.

Math

The Math portion of the SAT exam is also divided into two parts Calculator and No Calculator. Both sections deal with concepts from the same four areas:

Heart of Algebra

  • solving and graphing linear equations, inequalities, and functions
  • understand absolute value

Problem Solving and Data Analysis

  • preform conversions
  • ratio
  • percentages
  • word problems
  • probability
  • evaluate statistical claims
  • interpret graphs
  • evaluate study results

Passport to Advanced Math

  • understand math equation structure
  • manipulate equations
  • model data by writing equations
  • understand polynomials
  • interpret graphs

Additional Topics in Math

  • geometry
  • trigonometry
  • working with complex numbers

Cross-Test Scores (10-40)

Your three cross-test test scores are scaled scores for Reading, Writing and Language, and Math, represented as a number between 10-40.

Subscores (1-15)

Your SAT score report concludes with subscores expressed as a number between 1-15. While you take the SAT, you will be evaluated in seven areas that will not be indicated in the test. They include:

  • Command of Evidence
  • Words in Content
  • Expression of Ideas
  • Standard English Conventions
  • Heart of Algebra
  • Problem Solving and Data Analysis
  • Passport to Advanced Math

SAT Test Breakdown

Reading

In the Reading Section you will have 65 minutes to answer 52 questions. These questions will be based on five passages that will include fiction, U.S. Founding documents, social science, and scientific principles.

Writing and Language

The Writing and Language section has 44 questions that you must answer in 35 minutes. Questions will be multiple-choice and based on four passages that include narrative, argumentative, informative, and explanatory works. As you read, you will be expected to evaluate the author’s expression of ideas on points like argument development, language use (style, tone, wordiness) and overall writing organization. You will also be asked to evaluate standard English conventions such as incorrect punctuation and grammar.

Math

In total, on the SAT Math section you will encounter 58 questions with 80 minutes allowed to complete them. The questions are either multiple-choice or grid-in style.

On the Calculator section, you will need to answer 38 questions in 55 minutes.

On the No-Calculator section, you will need to answer 20 questions in 25 minutes.

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: History and Social Science

You will find a variety of reading passage types on the SAT exam. Different types of text require slightly different approaches and skill abilities, so we have three separate sections of Reading practice questions. In this section, we will only deal with passages from the areas of History and other Social Sciences, such as economics, sociology, and psychology. Literature and Science reading skills are covered in the other two Reading practice question sections.

The SAT Reading section will contain one history-related passage and one from the other social sciences. The first may come from a U.S. founding document or a conversation inspired by these documents. A passage may be a speech given by one of the founding fathers or that of a modern-day person involved in world affairs. A section of the U.S. Constitution may be presented, along with political commentary on it from any period in time. The other passage of this type could be related to any of the social sciences.

There is a heavy emphasis on analysis in the history/social sciences and science-related questions, as well as the ability to examine evidence and define words according to their use in context. There will probably be a related graphic used in some questions and you will need to compare data in the graphic with the author’s commentary in a passage.

Reading: Literature

During the SAT exam Reading portion, you will have 65 minutes to answer 52 questions about four passages or pairs of passages. Reading passage types will be mixed on the test, but we have divided them into types for the purpose of study. Different types of text require slightly different reading skills.

The practice questions in this section all reference a passage from classic or modern U.S. or world literature. Reading passages from other domains (science and social studies) are covered in the other two sections of reading practice questions on our site.

There will be one passage on the test from literature and 10–11 questions about it. Each passage is 500–700 words long and you may be asked to:

  • Show that you can use evidence presented by the author to answer questions about the text.
  • Determine a relationship between text and a graph or chart.
  • Analyze the meaning of words as they are used in a passage.
  • Explain how word choice affects the meaning, tone, and style of a passage.
  • Generally reason about the information presented in a passage, including making inferences.

Questions about the same passage are arranged in order from general to more specific. The literature passages won’t have any associated graphs and there will be only one passage to reference, as opposed to a pair of passages, which may be used for history or science passage questions.

Reading: Science

While all types of passages are mixed within the Reading section of the SAT exam, you will need to use a different approach for some of them. Reading and comprehending science text requires some specialized skills that you don’t need when dealing with literature and other types of content. You need to be able to think and reason in a scientific manner and we’ll practice that with these questions. Reading skills needed for literature and history-type reading are practiced in the other two Reading sections of practice questions.

There will be two science-related passages on the SAT exam and they may come from the areas of biology, physics, chemistry, or Earth science. You will be given all of the information you need to reason about the contents of the passages—it’s your scientific reasoning skill that’s being tested, not your memorization of scientific facts and terms. Passages will focus on basic scientific foundations and may require you to compare two passages on basically the same subject. Other questions may ask you to use the data in a graphic to reason about the contents of a related passage.

The scientific passage questions require you to use your knowledge of how scientific procedures work. This may include working with the concepts of hypotheses and conclusions and finding the implications of data.

Writing and Language: Career and Humanities

The Writing and Language section is all about making decisions about what someone else has written. Most of the time, you will be asked to improve the writing in some way and will be given four choices of ways to do this.

Of the four passages you will see on the SAT exam in this section, one will be concerning careers and one will be about some aspect of the humanities. These are the two types of passages on which we will focus in this section of questions.

Writing and Language: History and Social Studies

In the Writing and Language section of the SAT exam, there will be four passages, each with related questions. Of these four passages, one of them will have been written on a topic falling in the area of history or social studies. In this section of practice questions, you will focus on the skills needed to edit and revise writing in these two topic areas so that it is clear to the reader and appropriately organized.

Writing and Language: Science

Passages about science sometimes require a different organization and style of writing. In this set of practice questions, you will try your hand at analyzing scientific passages and suggesting appropriate edits for them. This is one type of passage you will see on the SAT exam Writing and Language test. The other types are reviewed in our other practice question sections.

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. Grab an answer sheet and try some of the official SAT practice tests below:

Official SAT practice test #1

Official SAT practice test #3

Official SAT practice test #5

Official SAT practice test #6

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

Another one of the major changes to the SAT exam in 2016 included removing the penalty for guessing. This means that you are not penalized if you do not know the right answer, although you may score higher if you happen to guess it correctly. So, don’t leave any answers blank. Putting down any answer is better than no answer at all.

Complete the Questions You Know First

The SAT is administered via paper and pencil, meaning that you can go back and forth within each section. When starting a new section, it’s a good idea to read through all of the questions first, and answer the ones that you know. Then, with your remaining time, you can come back to the unanswered ones and spend a little extra time determining the correct answer (or the best guess).

Pace Yourself So You Can Complete the Entire Exam

Given the time restrictions for each section within the SAT, it’s crucial that you pace yourself so you can answer all questions. There is no penalty for guessing, so even if you must do that for your remaining incomplete questions, it’s still important that you have enough time to do so. Keep your eye on the clock throughout each section and when time is running low, take action to answer the remaining questions.

SAT Exam FAQ:

1. How much does it cost to take the SAT?

The cost to register for the SAT is $60, 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 SAT essay?

The SAT essay became optional in 2016, and then was discontinued in 2021. There are a handful of districts that may still require the essay as part of the SAT School Day Program, so be sure to check if this applies to you before test day.

6. What is the Digital SAT?

The Digital SAT are a series of test updates made by the College Board that will go into effect in March of 2023 for international students, and the spring of 2024 for students in the United States. Changes and improvements include:

  • Shorter reading passages with one question per passage will take mean the SAT will two hours instead of three.

  • Calculators will be allowed on every math section, with an on-screen calculator built into the testing app.

  • The current paper-and-pencil format will be replaced by a computerized version of the test so students can take the test on their school or personal laptop. Unlike many other standardized tests, students will be unable to take the test at home with a proctor.

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