Scholastic Assessment Test
(SAT)

Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT)

SAT exam: Highlights, types, and details

The SAT, or Scholastic Assessment Test, is a pivotal stepping stone for students aiming to pursue undergraduate studies, primarily in the United States and Canada. This standardized test is designed to assess a student’s readiness for college and provide colleges with a common data point that can be used to compare all applicants.

The SAT serves as a standardized measure of a student’s college readiness, acting as a common ground for comparing applicants. It is widely accepted in countries like the USA, United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, Singapore, Canada, Malaysia, India, Japan, France, Netherlands, New Zealand, Italy, and Switzerland.

SAT exam highlights
Conducting body
College Board for International Candidates
Mode of exam
Paper-based and online
Fees
Registration fee (Base and regional fee) INR 8,575
SAT registration with Essay INR 9,740
SAT registration without Essay INR 8,660
SAT Subject Test registration INR 9,240
Accepting countries
USA, United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, Singapore, Canada, Malaysia, India, Japan, France, Netherlands, New Zealand, Italy, Switzerland

Types of SAT Exam

There are two main types of SAT exams: the SAT General Exam and the SAT Subject Exam. The former is the standard test for those aspiring to gain admission to an American university.

SAT General Test

This exam evaluates the overall preparedness of individuals applying to college, assessing their ability to tackle fundamental problems in language and mathematics. The SAT test syllabus comprehensively gauges candidates’ written, verbal, and mathematical skills, making it a commonly used tool for undergraduate college admissions. The syllabus for the SAT General Test covers a range of topics, testing candidates on their general knowledge and critical reasoning abilities.

SAT Subject Test (now Discontinued)

Designed to assess students based on their proficiency in specific subjects of their choosing, the SAT Subject Test focused on areas like science, mathematics, and languages. Colleges utilized SAT subject test scores for both admission and course placements. The assessment duration was 1 hour, and students received scores on a scale of 200 to 800. A noteworthy benefit was that some colleges would exempt students from certain requirements, such as a first-year composition class or foreign language, based on their strong SAT Subject Test scores. It’s important to note that the SAT Subject Test has been discontinued.

SAT exam fees 2024

SAT registration fees represent the initial expenses associated with taking the SAT exam. The cost of taking the SAT within the United States is $60, while a global regional fee of $43 applies in India and elsewhere in the world. Additional fees for SAT registration come into play for late registration, changes in the test center, or cancellation of the SAT exam. These additional fees remain consistent regardless of whether the SAT is taken within or outside the USA.

SAT registration fees

SAT exam​ SAT exam fees in USD SAT exam fees in INR
SAT registration with essay​
$117
INR 9,740
SAT registration without essay​
$104
INR 8,660
SAT Subject Test registration​
$111
INR 9,240

SAT registration services

College Board provides options for late SAT registration and SAT registration cancellation. Late registration is permitted, but it must occur before the specified deadlines. While the College Board allows changes to the test center, altering the test date is not allowed. If candidates wish to change their SAT test date, they must cancel and then re-register for the SAT.
Service Fees Description
SAT registration
$103
Fresh SAT registration
Late SAT registration
$30
Late registration after the deadline
Change test center
$25
Changing the test center location
Cancel SAT registration
$25
Canceling SAT registration by the change deadline
Late SAT registration cancellation
$35
Canceling SAT registration after the change deadline

SAT exam pattern 2024

The SAT exam is meticulously structured to evaluate various academic skills. The test comprises sections including Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, and Mathematics. The SAT examination comprises two sections, each with its own designated time limits. The current SAT exam syllabus and pattern are outlined below. The reading and writing sections have been combined. 

Exam section Type Number of questions Duration
Reading and Writing
Multiple choice questions
54
64 minutes (1 minute 35 seconds per question)

Math

Multiple choice questions
44
70 minutes (1 minute 35 seconds per question)

Total

98

2 hours and 14 minutes

SAT exam eligibility criteria for 2024

For the 2024 SAT exam, the eligibility criteria mainly focus on the applicant’s educational background. There are no strict age restrictions, but the test is typically taken by high school juniors and seniors.
Age limit

Above the age of 16 years

Academic qualifications

There are no specific criteria to appear for the SAT

No. of attempts

No limit, but it is suggested to take it at least twice—once in the junior year’s spring and again in the senior year’s fall

The SAT is a standardized test open to anyone interested in pursuing undergraduate studies abroad, including the USA, Canada, Australia, Singapore, New Zealand, and other countries. The College Board has not specified any particular prerequisites for taking the SAT.

Typically, students opt for the SAT to apply for scholarships or seek admission to an undergraduate program at a college or university. The majority of SAT candidates are in their 11th or 12th grade, aiming to enhance their prospects of obtaining a bachelor’s degree at top-notch global universities. Importantly, there is no upper age limit for taking the SAT exam.

SAT exam preparation tips

Preparing for the SAT requires strategic planning, focused study, and an understanding of the exam's nuances. The SAT, a standardized test widely used for college admissions, assesses a student's readiness for undergraduate studies. As you embark on your SAT preparation journey, it's essential to equip yourself with effective strategies to maximize your performance on test day.

Understand the SAT structure

Familiarize yourself with the format of the SAT, including the number of sections (Reading, Writing and Language, Math), question types, and time limits for each section.

Develop a study plan

Create a realistic and organized study schedule. Plan regular study sessions focusing on different sections of the exam.

Utilize official SAT materials

Make use of official SAT practice materials provided by the College Board. These materials closely resemble the actual test, giving you an accurate feel of what to expect.

Identify strengths and weaknesses

Take practice tests to identify your strengths and weaknesses. Tailor your study plan to concentrate more on areas where improvement is needed.

Practice time management

SAT is a timed test. Practice time management during your study sessions to ensure you can complete each section within the allocated time.

Build vocabulary

Enhance your vocabulary, especially for the Reading and Writing sections. Read widely and consider learning new words in context.

Review fundamental math concepts

Brush up on fundamental math concepts. Ensure you have a solid understanding of the key principles tested in the Math section.

Learn test-taking strategies

Acquaint yourself with various test-taking strategies. Understand how to approach different question types and learn techniques for eliminating incorrect answer choices.

Simulate test conditions

Practice under conditions that simulate the actual test environment. Find a quiet space, adhere to time limits, and minimize distractions to replicate the test-day experience.

Review and analyze mistakes

After each practice test, thoroughly review your mistakes. Understand why you got specific questions wrong and learn from those mistakes.

Seek help when needed

If you find certain topics challenging, seek help from teachers, tutors, or online resources. Don’t hesitate to clarify doubts.

Stay positive

Maintain a positive mindset. Confidence is crucial for performing well on the SAT.

Prioritize sleep and rest

Ensure you get adequate sleep in the days leading up to the test. Being well-rested can significantly improve concentration and overall performance.

Familiarize yourself with the test center

Know the location of your test center. Plan to arrive early on test day to reduce stress and ensure a smooth start.

Stay healthy

Eat well and stay hydrated. Physical well-being contributes to mental alertness.

Practice writing essays

If your SAT includes an essay, practice writing essays within the given time frame. Work on structuring your responses effectively.

Take official practice tests

Take official SAT practice tests regularly to get a sense of the actual exam conditions and to track your progress.

Stay updated on test changes

Keep yourself informed about any updates or changes to the SAT, including test format and content.

Review test-day policies

Familiarize yourself with test-day policies, including what to bring, what not to bring, and other important guidelines.

FAQs

What is the SAT exam?
The SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) is a standardized test widely used for college admissions in the United States. It measures a high school student’s readiness for college and provides colleges with a common data point for comparing applicants.
The SAT focuses on three major areas: Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, Mathematics, and an optional Essay. The reading and writing section covers comprehension and vocabulary, while the math section focuses on arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis.
SAT exams are usually held several times a year, typically in August, October, November, December, March, May, and June. It’s important to check the official College Board website for specific dates.
Preparation can include self-study, attending SAT prep courses, practicing with SAT practice tests, and familiarizing yourself with the SAT question paper format.

SAT scores range from 400-1600, combining test results from the two main sections: Math (200-800) and Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (200-800). The optional essay is scored separately.

A “good” SAT score depends on the admission requirements of the colleges you’re applying to. Generally, a score above 1200 is considered above average, but top universities often require scores above 1400.
Yes, the College Board provides free SAT sample papers on their website. These are valuable resources for understanding the format and type of questions asked in the exam.
There is no limit to the number of times you can take the SAT. However, it’s advisable to plan your attempts strategically.

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