SAT Test – Everything You Need to Know!

If you’ve started researching the college process, there’s a good chance you’ve come across SAT several times. But what exactly is SAT? In this post, we’ll go through what it is, why you need to take it, and other useful information!

SAT Test – Everything You Need to Know!

If you’ve started researching the college process, there’s a good chance you’ve come across SAT several times. But what exactly is SAT? In this post, we’ll go through what it is, why you need to take it, and other useful information!

What is SAT?

The SAT is a so-called ”entrance exam” used by most U.S. universities to assess your academic abilities.

The SAT is conducted by the company Collegeboard. It is also through Collegeboard that you sign up for the test and find more general information about the exam.

You are tested in two different sections of the SAT, which are:

• Reading & Writing

• Math

The maximum score you can get is 1,600 points:

• 800 points for Reading & Writing.

• 800 points for Math.

Why is SAT needed?

There are actually three main reasons why SAT is needed:

1. Requirement for admission to the school

2. Opportunity for an academic scholarship

Each school has different criteria for admission, where the SAT plays a role. The same goes for your academic scholarship – a high SAT score can result in a larger academic scholarship!

When should I take the SAT?

As soon as you can! The SAT is only offered 4-5 times a year. The sooner you have a score, the easier it is to find available scholarships. Many people apply to schools without taking the SAT, so if you’ve already completed it, you’re ahead of the game!

It’s important to know that you can also receive an SAT superscore, meaning you can combine your best individual section scores and apply with the total sum. Therefore, if you can, you should always take the SAT twice! Here’s what we mean:

Example

The first time you take the test, you get 300 points for Reading & Writing and 500 points for Math, so your total score is 800.

The second time, you get the opposite: 500 points for Reading & Writing and 300 points for Math, and your total score is still 800.

Now, you take your highest score from each section – which in this case is 500 for Reading & Writing and 500 for Math – and suddenly, your total score is 1,000.

How should I think about my results?

Here are some guidelines on how good an SAT score is:

• 0 – 800: You will need to retake the test.

• 800 – 900: With a good GPA, you might still qualify to go. However, this score doesn’t qualify you for academic scholarships.

• 900 – 1,000: A fairly common score, making you eligible to play, and perhaps eligible for an academic scholarship.

• 1,000 – 1,100: A good score, likely to get you an academic scholarship.

• 1,100 – 1,200: A very good score, you will most likely get an academic scholarship.

• 1,200 – 1,400: An excellent score, you will definitely get an academic scholarship.

• 1,400 – 1,600: Often the SAT score required to get into Ivy League schools, which are the most academically prestigious!

What’s the test like in detail?

We’ll explain it to you! Read and listen below, and you’ll become an SAT expert! 🙂 It’s important to note that SAT has switched from being a paper-based test to now being conducted on computers. You bring your own laptop to the test center!

Section 1 – Reading & Writing Test

The first section you will do on the SAT is the ”Reading & Writing Test.” This can be translated as reading and writing comprehension. This section contains two different modules, meaning two sections of the test. You will first complete module 1, then move on to module 2.

You will read various texts and answer questions about them. All the questions are multiple-choice, which means you will have four answer options for every question. You will not lose points for guessing wrong, so make sure to answer ALL questions.

Time and Number of Questions: For the first module, you have 32 minutes to answer 27 questions. The second module is identical, with 32 minutes and 27 questions. The first section will therefore take a total of 64 minutes.

More Information: Here’s a link to a page with useful information about the Reading & Writing Test.

Practice: You can find practice exercises via the Bluebook app, which you will also use to take the test on-site.

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Break – 10 Minutes

Once you’ve completed your two modules, you will have a 10-minute break to stretch your legs and refresh your mind before tackling some math.

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Section 2 – Math Test

The second and final part of the exam is the Math section. This is actually the section that most people find the hardest, so if you’re struggling with math, make sure to focus some extra energy on this part! Like the Reading & Writing section, there are two modules in this part.

Time and Number of Questions: In the first module, you’ll have 35 minutes to answer 22 questions. The second module is structured the same way, with 22 questions in 35 minutes, giving you a total of 70 minutes for the math section. During the exam, you will have access to a calculator on the Bluebook app on your computer.

More Information: Here is a helpful page with additional details about the Math Test.

Practice: You can find practice materials through the Bluebook app, which you’ll also use to take the test on the day.

The entire test takes about 2 hours and 25 minutes, including the break. During the break, you’ll have the opportunity to eat something, so make sure to bring a snack like fruit to recharge a bit!

What to Bring to the SAT?

Here’s a list of things you absolutely need to bring to the SAT exam! You can also read more details on this link.

• Your laptop with the Bluebook app downloaded on it.

• Your charger!

• A valid ID.

• Pencils if you want to make notes. You will be provided with scratch paper.

Recommended items to bring:

• A wristwatch to keep track of time.

• Snacks for your break(s).

A Few Last Tips!

• Practice, practice, and practice again! You can never be too prepared.

• Don’t buy any books, do free exercises HERE.

• Spend no more time than necessary on any one question. First, answer the questions you know, and then return to the difficult ones if time allows. But remember to answer everything!

• Don’t worry! Everything will work out in the end.