The Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) is an exam that helps college admissions offices decide if an applicant has the academic abilities needed to succeed in college. It is offered through a company called the College Board, a non-profit organization that also runs Advanced Placement (AP) testing.
The SAT takes between 3 and 4 hours and tests students on verbal and mathematical skills. It’s divided into two sections: Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) and Math, with the option to take an additional essay section. A perfect score on the SAT is 1600, with an average score of 1060.
Most colleges require you to submit either an SAT score or an ACT score as part of your college application, though some schools are “test-optional.” It is possible to take the SAT in dozens of European countries.
What is the structure of the exam?
The current SAT comprises two sections, Evidence-Based Reading and Writing as well as Math, along with an additional essay section. If you choose to take just the EBRW and Math sections, the exam takes 3 hours; if you take the essay section, the exam takes 3 hours and 50 minutes.
The EBRW portion of the test is divided into two parts: a reading section with 52 questions in 65 minutes, and a writing and language portion with 44 questions in 35 minutes.
The Math section begins with a no-calculator portion (25 minutes, 20 questions) followed by a calculator portion (55 minutes, 38 questions).
An SAT score ranges from 400-1600 points, with an average score of 1060. The top 25% of test-takers receive total scores of 1200 and above.
What kinds of questions are in each section?
The EBRW section is divided into reading and writing. All questions are multiple-choice—and there’s no penalty for wrong answers! The reading portion measures how well you are able to read and analyze different texts using a mix of literary, historical, and scientific texts. The writing portion focuses on style and grammar across 4 different passages.
The math section has two parts: one where you can use a calculator, and one without. Most questions are multiple-choice, but there are a few “grid-in” questions. The math covered includes algebra, data analysis, functions, geometry and basic trigonometry.
How can I succeed on the exam?
The best thing you can do to succeed on the SAT is to start preparing early! The College Board has a partnership with Khan Academy, an online educational program, where you can take free SAT courses and practice tests.
There are also test-taking strategies you should use. Since there is no penalty for wrong answers, it is always in your best interest to guess if you aren’t sure. It’s also a good idea to read through the questions before you read the different texts. For the math section especially, pace yourself carefully.
How important is my score?
The SAT is a major part of your college application. SAT scores allow admissions officers to compare all applicants on the same scale. However, keep in mind that there are many different parts to your college application—you’re more than just your SAT score! Even applicants with lower scores can still attend prestigious universities if their grades, application essay, and extracurriculars are impressive. A good SAT score can make it much easier to get into the school of your dreams!
Author
With a Bachelor's (LLB) from UCL and Assas, and the Grande Ecole program at HEC Paris, Adam has over 10 years of experience in education and student mentoring. Passionate about helping students achieve their academic dreams, he co-founded Your Dream School to guide students through university admissions and interview preparation for top global institutions.
