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What is the SAT
How is the SAT used
What's on the SAT?
Recent Changes
How is the SAT scored?
Preparing for the SAT
Test Optional Policies
The SAT, short for the Scholastic Assessment Test, is a standardized test widely used in the United States to evaluate a high school student's readiness for college.
Students typically take this test in high school and submit their scores to universities as part of their college application.
It's been a critical component of the college admissions process, and it’s used as a measure to compare the academic preparedness of applicants from various educational backgrounds.
The SATs are one of the two most popular standardized tests accepted by US colleges, the other being the ACT.
The SAT provides colleges with a standardized metric to gauge your academic potential in higher education as a student.
The primary purpose of the SAT when it comes to college applications is to assess your academic skills in critical areas: reading, writing, and mathematics.
These core skills are essential for success in college, and the SAT is used to measure each student’s aptitude in these areas.
The SAT aims to offer a uniform benchmark to compare different applicants fairly given the diversity of high school curricula. However, many consider it an unfair assessment that gives an advantage to wealthier students, while others argue that it helps schools find kids with high potential in underprivileged areas.
Throughout the admission process, colleges use SAT scores to determine a number of things:
The preliminary SAT, known as PSAT, is also used as the qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship Program. By scoring exceptionally well on the PSAT, students may become eligible for recognition as National Merit Semifinalists, Finalists, or Scholars.
This scholarship program awards financial aid and recognition to students who demonstrate outstanding academic performance, placing them in a favorable position for college admissions.
Both tests serve as college readiness assessments, with similar structures, lengths, and timing for high school juniors and seniors. Moreover, both offer superscoring, allowing colleges to consider your best section scores across multiple test dates.
With that said, key differences exist in scoring systems, with the SAT ranging from 400 to 1600 and the ACT from 1 to 36. Additionally, the ACT includes a dedicated Science section, while the SAT incorporates science-like analysis throughout its sections.
The ACT's quick-paced, curriculum-based approach might favor those comfortable with rapid problem-solving, while the SAT's emphasis on reasoning and analysis could suit students who excel in complex reading and math concepts.
The SAT and ACT also differ in their approaches to math assessment. While both cover core high school math concepts, the SAT includes a dedicated section without a calculator, emphasizing mental math and problem-solving skills.
Conversely, the ACT's math section permits calculator use throughout, focusing on visual problem-solving and including more geometry and trigonometry questions.
The SAT is composed of two different sections of equal length: the first section is Reading and Writing, and the second is Math.
Duration | Content | |
---|---|---|
Reading and Writing 1st Module | 32 minutes | Both modules: Short reading passages followed by 54 multiple-choice questions |
Reading and Writing 2nd Module | 32 minutes | Both modules: Short reading passages followed by 54 multiple-choice questions |
Break | 10 minutes | - |
Math 1st Module | 35 minutes | 75% multiple-choice questions, 25% free-response questions |
Math 2nd Module | 35 minutes | 75% multiple-choice questions, 25% free-response questions |
This section consists of short reading passages in different subject areas including history, the humanities, and science. These passages are usually about 25-150 words long, and they’re followed by 54 single multiple-choice questions.
The questions in this section represent one of four content domains the test aims to assess:
Reading and Writing is further split into different halves called modules. The first module consists of questions of varying difficulties. Based on how well you do in this first module, the second module will either be more or less difficult.
The math section consists of both multiple-choice questions, as well as free response questions to test your fluency and ability to apply math concepts, skills and practices. About 75% of all questions are multiple choice, while the rest are student-produced free response questions.
The math section tests your understanding of different areas of mathematics:
Similar to the Reading and Writing section, Math is split into two separate modules, and your performance in the first module determines the difficulty of the second one. In each module, the questions are arranged from easiest to hardest.
In the past, using a calculator was only allowed in one of the two modules of math, not both. However, the College Board has recently changed this, and you’re now able to use a College Board-approved calculator in both modules.
Recently, the College Board introduced a Digital SAT, a test that is taken in-person, but entirely on a computer. As of May 2024, the Digital SAT has fully replaced the paper version - and it has a few differences:
Your total SAT score is a number between 400 and 1600 - this score is the total of your scores in both sections and in all 4 modules. Each section has a possible score range of 200-800 points.
The way the College Board scores your SAT is by first adding up the total number of questions you answered correctly (each question is worth 1 point), then converting your raw score from a 1-40 scale to section scores on a 200-800 range per section.
The College Board does this conversion using specific equating formulas that take into account the difficulty of the version of the SAT exams you took.
The SAT employs a ‘rights-only’ scoring approach, meaning there are no deductions for incorrect answers, and there is no penalty for guessing the answer in multiple choice questions!
When you receive your scores, you’ll be given a percentile rank - a number between 1 and 99 that tells you the percentage of students who got an equal or lower score than yours.
Percentiles give you an idea as to how your score ranks among SAT takers in general. For example, if your percentile rank is 57th, that means 57% of students scored the same or lower than you. The higher your percentile rank, the better it looks on college applications.
Superscoring is a practice used by many colleges and universities in the United States to consider a student's highest section scores across multiple SAT test dates. Instead of looking at your highest total SAT score from a single test date, superscoring involves combining your highest section scores from different test dates to create a new, higher total score.
For example, let's say you took the SAT twice. On your first attempt, you scored 600 in the Math section and 700 in the Reading and Writing section. On your second attempt, you improved your Math score to 650 but your Reading and Writing section score dropped to 680.
With superscoring, colleges would take your highest Math score (650) from the second test and your highest Reading and Writing score (700) from the first test, resulting in a superscore of 1350 (650 + 700).
This practice allows you to showcase your best performances in each section across multiple test dates, potentially improving your overall SAT score and increasing your chances of admission to your dream college.
To maximize your chances of getting a high score, we recommend you take the SAT exam twice. The best time to take your SATs would be once in the fall or spring of your junior year, and again in the fall of your senior year.
While there’s no specific month of the year we recommend, you should ask yourself a few questions before scheduling your exam:
Start by taking a practice test to identify your strengths and weaknesses. Use this information to create a personalized study plan, setting specific study times and sticking to them.
Make sure your plan includes time for practice tests, reviewing mistakes, and focusing on challenging areas. Multiple timed practice tests will help you get comfortable with the test format.
Taking practice tests is one of the best ways to prepare for the SAT. Aim for at least one practice test per week using materials that closely mirror the actual test. The College Board offers excellent resources, including official practice tests.
Building a strong vocabulary and understanding grammar rules are crucial for the Reading and Writing sections. This takes time and consistent effort. Read widely, learn new words daily, and review grammar rules.
Consider borrowing or buying grammar books, or consult with an English tutor. Increasing your reading habits with articles and books can significantly improve your grasp of vocabulary and grammar.
Effective time management is crucial for the SAT. Calculate the maximum time you can spend on each question and practice sticking to these limits.
Keep the duration of each module in mind and make sure you’re able to finish the practice tests with the time limit.
Your mental state on test day is as important as your preparation. Simulate the test environment during practice and use calming strategies like deep breathing.
Ensure you get plenty of rest before the test day. Avoid cramming, as lack of sleep can heighten anxiety and impair cognitive function. Arrive early at the test center, and use positive affirmations to boost your confidence.
In response to the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which made it difficult for many students to take standardized tests, many colleges adopted a test-optional policy when it comes to the SATs.
Test-optional policies allow you to decide whether to submit your SAT scores as part of your college application.
Sending your SAT/ACT scores to a test-optional university can have several advantages, especially if you're aiming for Ivy League schools and other prestigious institutions.
Deciding whether to send your SAT/ACT scores to a test-optional university depends on your individual circumstances and goals. Consider these factors:
With all of that said, many colleges reinstated SAT scores as a requirement for their application process, and there’s a noticeable trend in more colleges returning to test-required admissions policies.
While the SAT remains a pivotal component of the college admissions process, its role continues to evolve amidst ongoing debates about fairness and efficacy.
As you prepare for it, understanding its structure, scoring, and the impact of recent changes such as digital testing and test-optional policies is crucial. Planning and informed decision-making can significantly increase your chances of achieving your best score.
If you're looking to maximize your chances of getting the perfect (or close to perfect) score, our expert tutors can help! Some of the best teachers in the world tutor at Crimson!
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