SAT

The SAT, which stands for “Scholastic Assessment Test,” is an entrance exam for students hoping to enrol in undergraduate programs at institutions outside their home countries, particularly the US and Canada. It is a written, paper-and-pencil test that assesses an applicant’s language, critical reading and writing and quantitative reasoning abilities. The SAT exam style and design underwent significant changes in 2016 when it became the New SAT. 

The New SAT has changed several things, including the topic names, examination duration, and valuation pattern, even though the exam’s essential eligibility requirements and ethos remain the same. The redesigned SAT exam includes portions for evidence-based reading & writing and Mathematics, replacing the old SAT exam’s components for critical reading, writing, and mathematics.

Why SAT?

If you’re wondering why you should take the SAT, here are some reasons:

Understanding the SAT qualifying standards is crucial given that they are one of the most critical requirements for attaining education overseas. Although there are no set requirements for taking the SAT exam, the following factors are important to be aware of when registering for the test:

SAT Exam Eligibility

No fixed criteria

Age Limit

There is no fixed maximum or minimum age criteria for SAT exam eligibility
for students. Students can appear for this exam without worrying about any age limit.

Educational Background

Generally, SAT does not require any minimum educational criteria.
However, if you are a high school student planning to pursue a degree after completing school, you can start the preparation in the school years itself.

Frequency

There are no specified official limits regarding the frequency of
how many times a person can appear for SAT. Students can take this exam
as many times as it would take them to pass it. However, it is likely to be advised
that you appear for it at least twice before you complete your high school. 

There is only one prerequisite for the SAT registration i.e. anybody taking the test must have a valid passport. The SAT registration process is relatively simple, and like other exams, you must apply online, except in a few circumstances where applicants may submit a paper application by mail. The application process for both online and mail submissions has been briefly covered here:

Online Registration:

1)   On the College Board website, you must register and create a profile.

2)   You must thoroughly fill out the online SAT application form and make a student profile for yourself.

3)   After filling up all the personal and academic information, you must choose the exam and the examination location.

4)   The next step is to upload a clear photo of yourself to the application.

5)   Next, you must submit your application and pay the appropriate examination fee online.

6)   Once your submission has been received, you simply need to print your examination admittance ticket.

 Application through mail:

Candidates may use this system of SAT application if they meet the following requirements:

  • 13 years or younger
  • wants to a request test close to their home
  • unable to upload a digital photograph
  • wish to pay the examination fee through cheque or money order

The registration process in such circumstances is given below:

  • You must ask your education counsellor or the school board for an SAT student registration brochure.
  • You must complete the SAT application form included in the booklet following the instructions provided there.
  • This completed application form should be mailed to the address listed on the booklet in a registration envelope together with a money order or check for the examination application fee.

The three core areas of the SAT are Math, Evidence-Based Reading, and Writing. The complete testing period includes the optional 50-minute essay, which brings the total testing time to 3 hours and 50 minutes. The breakdown for each remaining section is given below:

 

SAT Test Section

# of Questions and Types

Content

Timing

EVIDENCE-BASED
READING & WRITING

Reading
52 standard multiple-choice
Writing
44 standard multiple-choice

Relevant words in context
(Reading, Writing)
Command of evidence
(Reading, Writing)
Expression of ideas
(Writing)
Standard English conventions
(Writing)

100 minutes
Reading
One 65-minute section
Writing
One 35-minute section

MATHEMATICS

45 standard multiple-choice
13 student-produced responses

The heart of algebra
Passport to advanced math
Problem-solving & data analysis

80 minutes
One 25-minute section (no calculator)
One 55-minute section (calculator allowed)

ESSAY*

1 evidence-based essay

Analyzing a source

50 minutes
One 50-minute essay

The SAT scoring algorithm has evolved, offering a more thorough breakdown and analysis of students’ scores. A composite score is calculated from area scores, each of which is rated out of 800, for a total possible score of 1600. For a detailed breakdown of the scores, see the table below:

Score Type

Score Range

COMPOSITE SCORE

400-1600

AREA SCORES
Evidence-based reading & writing
Math

200-800

TEST SCORES
Reading
Writing & Language
Math

10-40

ESSAY
(scored separately)

6-24

CROSS-TEST SCORES
History/Social Studies
Science

10-40

SUBSCORES
Relevant words in context (R, W&L)
Command of evidence (R, W&L)
Expression of ideas (W&L)
Standard English convention (W&L)
Heart of algebra (M)
Passport to advanced mathematics (M)
Problem-solving & data analysis (M)

1-15

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