What is SAT?
Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) is a standardised test intended to measure literacy, numeracy and writing skills needed for academic success in higher education institutes.
Originally launched in 1926, SAT has undergone many changes and the test has evolved with changing education fields and evaluating the readiness of high school students to pursue a course in College. From spring 2023, SAT is being administered in digital format in International market.
Developed by the College Board, the latest version of SAT is a two hour twenty four minute test. There are four modules testing - Reading, Writing, Math (with calculator) and Math (without calculator).
SAT administration: SAT is administered five times a year in India. Typically, the test is conducted in the months of March, May, August, October and December. It is conducted across numerous SAT test centres in 30 Indian cities. You can choose College Board-approved SAT test centres in India along with the time slot as per your convenience during SAT registration.
Sections and Scoring
The digital SAT is composed of two sections: Verbal (Reading & Writing) and Math. Total SAT score is reported as the sum of Verbal and Mathematical scores. The first module of each section contains a broad mix of easy, medium and hard questions. Based on how students perform on the first module, the second module of questions is either more difficult or less difficult.
| SAT Section | Time | Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Reading and Writing | 64 (two 32-minute modules) | 54 |
| Break | 10 minutes | - |
| Math | 70 (two 35-minute modules) | 44 |
Each section of the SAT is scored on a scale of 200 to 800 points. The total SAT score is sum of these section scores, ranging from 400 to 1600.
Sections of SAT
25 to 150 word passage are asked from the subject areas of literature, history/social studies, the humanities and science. The Reading and Writing section presents short reading passages (or passage pairs) followed by a single multiple-choice question. Questions on the Reading and Writing section represent one of four content domains—Craft and Structure, Information and Ideas, Standard English Conventions, and Expression of Ideas.
The Math section focuses on areas of math like – Algebra, Advanced Math, Problem-solving and data analysis, geometry and trigonometry. You will get multiple type questions and student-produced response questions.
SAT Registration
- The SAT registration fee at present is USD 103 ( USD 60 exam fee + USD 43 regional fee).
- Transfer/Rescheduling of SAT
- You can reschedule or transfer the test by cancelling the current booking and register for a new one. Corresponding deadlines and availability of time slot will be as per the College Board account.
Cancellation of SAT
- Applicants can cancel the SAT test registration at any time. If they cancel it at least five days before the test date, they will get a partial refund. If they miss this deadline, they will not receive even a partial refund.
Misc. information
- SAT is administered seven times a year in India. The test is usually conducted in the months of March, May, June, August, October, and December and students can take SAT as many times as they want.
- You can take SAT multiple times and most of the colleges consider your highest SAT score when making admission decisions, however, you have to pay SAT fee every time you appear for the test.
- There are no specific eligibility criteria set by the College Board, the body that conducts and manages the SAT exam. However, it can be taken by students who are in high school.
- The Essay is only available in states where it’s required as part of SAT School Day administrations. Students scheduled to take the SAT on a school day should check with their school about whether the Essay will be included.