SAT Exam - A Basic Introduction to the Test

The SAT exam is known as the Scholastic Assessment Test. This exam is a standardized test that students take to assess their college academic readiness. The University Admissions Department uses the SAT to determine the likelihood of academic success in schools. The SAT has survived for nearly 100 years, and almost 2 million college-bound high school students take the SAT each year. This test lasts 3 hours and 45 minutes and comprises multiple-choice primary type questions.

As per the data, 2017 included 1.8 million test-takers. Success on the SAT requires fundamental skills necessary for success in high school and college. The skillset comprises reading quickly, thinking critically, and expressing ideas with English language proficiency. With efficient training and tips to improve your SAT scores, you can clear the test easily. 

The SAT comprises two parts: Critical Reading and Mathematics. The SAT exam tests general information on various subjects, including reading, writing, grammar, mathematics (including geometry) and history, science, and English literature. The SAT exam is one of the most important exams you will take in your life. This blog will give you the details of the exam pattern of the test, who needs to pursue the exam, and SAT Training for quick learning.

SAT Test: Exam Pattern

SAT test Sections

The SAT test consists of four sections. They are:

• Reading

• Writing

• Math

• Essay (optional)

SAT score ranges from 400 to 1600 and is a sum of the Evidence-based Reading & Writing score (200-800) and the Math score (200-800). The total duration of the test if you choose to attempt the Essay section is 4 hours.

No. of Questions

The number of questions for each section is different. Below given are the sections and their respective number of questions. 

SAT Reading Test:

The SAT reading is the first and most extended test in the SAT. As you have read, it has 52 questions to be completed in 65 minutes. The Reading section will have 5 passages and will be followed by a series of multiple-choice questions. The content of the questions will be based on world literature, history/social studies, and Science. The goal of the reading test is to measure a student’s ability to understand words in context.

SAT Writing and Language Test:

The SAT Writing and Language Test is the second test with 44 questions with an assigned duration of 35 minutes. This test has 4 passages. This section aims to assess the grammar, usage, rhetoric, and style of the English language used by the student. With proper guidance, you can learn English faster to improve your SAT Language Test. 

SAT Math Section:

SAT Math section is the third section. It has 58 questions to be answered in 80 minutes. This section is further divided into two sections:

• Math No-Calculator 

• Math Yes-Calculator

Most of the math questions are multiple-choice questions, whereas some questions require students to enter their answers.

The four key areas tested in the math section are:

• algebra 

• Problem Solving and Data Analysis, 

• Passport to Advanced Math and, 

• Additional Topics in Math (Geometry, Trigonometry, and Complex Numbers)

SAT Essay Section:

SAT essay section is optional. If the candidate is attending this section, the student will have 50-minutes to write the essay. SAT Essay comprises one passage that has words between 650 and 750 words. The June 2021 SAT will be the last administration to include the SAT Essay, according to the recent news. Candidates have the freedom to cancel the optional essay portion of their SAT test. 

Who Should Attend the SAT Exam?

There are no specified eligibility criteria in terms of age to attend the SAT Exam. However, if you wish to pursue your undergraduate courses abroad, especially in the US and Canada colleges and universities, the best time to take the SAT is during your 10th or 11th grade.

Reasons You Must Attend SAT Test

Here are the most important reasons you should attend the SAT test.

• Most colleges require SAT Test scores for admission

• SAT offers scholarships for high scorers

• The country/state you wish to study might require the test

• Apart from entrance, some jobs also require SAT test score

• The SAT exam is flexible and might suit you better than other exams

• Most of the colleges accept SAT scores in and outside India

• SAT gives you more time compared to other tests

• There is no negative marking in the SAT

To Wrap Up

The SAT exam is a significant milestone in the lives of every high school student. With training and learning, a candidate can successfully clear the SAT test. Also remember, the required SAT score for different colleges can be different. Know where you need the admission, prepare for it and start your journey now!