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SAT® (Scholastic Aptitude Test)
The SAT, formally known as the Scholastic Assessment Test, is a standardized test widely used for college admissions in the United States. Since its inception, the SAT has played a pivotal role in assessing students' readiness for higher education and has become a cornerstone of the admissions process for many prestigious universities.
Background:
Originally developed in the 1920s as an aptitude test, the SAT has evolved over the years to become more focused on measuring the skills and knowledge necessary for success in college. Today, it is owned and administered by the College Board, a nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding access to higher education. The SAT is accepted by thousands of colleges and universities worldwide, making it a crucial component of the admissions process for aspiring students.
SAT Essay scores are reported separately from overall test scores. Specific University may require that you complete the SAT Essay. Therefore, you should research well about the university’s specifications before you chose to skip the Essay. Apart for this general SAT, you can also appear for SAT Subject Tests if your chosen university demands for it. The process for registering and the test structure remains the same for it as well.
SAT Test Format
SAT is a 3 hours long test and you can add 50 more minutes to it if you are opting for an Optional Essay as well. It has 2 compulsory and 1 optional section.
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Maths
Evidence Based Reading & Writing
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Essay
(Optional)
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SAT Reasoning Test Score and Competency Level
Each section of the SAT Reasoning Test is scored separately:
Reading: Scored on a scale of 200 to 800, assessing your comprehension and critical analysis skills.
Writing and Language: Also scored on a scale of 200 to 800, testing your grammar, usage, and rhetoric skills.
Mathematics: Again, scored on a scale of 200 to 800, evaluating your mathematical reasoning and problem-solving abilities.
Essay (Optional): Scored separately on a scale of 6 to 24, measuring your ability to analyze and construct a persuasive argument.
The total score is derived from the combined scores of the Reading, Writing and Language, and Math sections, ranging from 400 to 1600.
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Test Question Types
The SAT encompasses various question formats to evaluate different skills:
Multiple Choice: Found across all sections, including Reading, Writing and Language, and Math, these questions offer several answer choices, with only one correct option.
Grid-In: Exclusive to the Math section, these questions require you to solve a problem and enter your answer into a grid.
Passage-Based: Featured in the Reading and Writing and Language sections, these questions ask you to analyze and respond to passages.
Test Duration:
The total testing time for the SAT Reasoning Test is approximately 3 hours and 50 minutes. However, including breaks and additional time for those opting for the essay, the total duration can extend to about 4 hours and 30 minutes.
Tips for Scoring High:
Practice Regularly: Familiarize yourself with the format and types of questions on the SAT by practicing regularly with official study materials and practice tests.
Time Management: Develop effective time management strategies to ensure you can complete each section within the allocated time frame.
Focus on Weak Areas: Identify your weaknesses and dedicate extra time to improving those areas through targeted study and practice.
Seek Support: Consider enrolling in SAT prep courses or working with a tutor to receive personalized guidance and support.
Do's and Don'ts:
Do: Take advantage of official SAT study materials and resources provided by the College Board.
Don't: Rely solely on cramming right before the test. Consistent, long-term preparation yields better results.
Do: Take practice tests under timed conditions to simulate the testing environment.
Don't: Overlook the importance of the essay section if it's required or recommended by your target colleges.
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Test Registration Process
Usually SAT happens 5 times in a year and you can register for it till five weeks prior to the test date. The registration process is online through the following website-
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Exam Fees
SAT – $52 + Non-U.S. Regional Fee (For India & Nepal – $49 , For Australia – $53, For others visit
https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat/register/international/fees)
SAT with Essay – $68 + Non-U.S. Regional Fee (For India & Nepal – $49 , For Australia – $53, For others visit
https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat/register/international/fees)
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Registration Fee (This covers one test date, when you can take one, two, or three Subject Tests) : $26 + Non-U.S. Regional Fee (For India & Nepal – $49 , For Australia – $53, For others visit https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat/register/international/fees ).
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Each SAT Subject Test (Except Language Tests with Listening): $22
additional per test. -
Language Tests with Listening (Upcoming administrations: November 2019 and May 2021): $26 additional per test.
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For identification purposes, upload a picture of yourself.
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Once your registration is complete, be sure to print out your Admission Ticket, as you’ll need it on the day of your test.
International SAT Subject Test Registration Fees
Test date checklist:
Admission Ticket and photo ID
Two number 2 pencils with erasers
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An approved calculator and extra batteries
A watch with all alarms silenced
A drink and snack for the break
The invigilator will read all the instructions verbatim before you begin. They’ll also administer and inform you when you can start or stop working on each section.
Know More:
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You can’t take the SAT Subject Tests and the SAT on the same test date.
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You can use calculators only on the Mathematics Level 1 and Level 2 Subject Tests.
