Scholastic Assessment Test
(SAT)
Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT)
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.
Conducting body |
College Board for International Candidates |
Mode of exam |
Paper-based and online |
Fees |
Registration fee (Base and regional fee) INR 8,575SAT registration with Essay INR 9,740SAT registration without Essay INR 8,660SAT Subject Test registration INR 9,240 |
Accepting countries |
USA, United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, Singapore, Canada, Malaysia, India, Japan, France, Netherlands, New Zealand, Italy, Switzerland |
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 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 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 |
| 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 |
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 |
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.
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.
Create a realistic and organized study schedule. Plan regular study sessions focusing on different sections of the exam.
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.
Take practice tests to identify your strengths and weaknesses. Tailor your study plan to concentrate more on areas where improvement is needed.
SAT is a timed test. Practice time management during your study sessions to ensure you can complete each section within the allocated time.
Enhance your vocabulary, especially for the Reading and Writing sections. Read widely and consider learning new words in context.
Brush up on fundamental math concepts. Ensure you have a solid understanding of the key principles tested in the Math section.
Acquaint yourself with various test-taking strategies. Understand how to approach different question types and learn techniques for eliminating incorrect answer choices.
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.
After each practice test, thoroughly review your mistakes. Understand why you got specific questions wrong and learn from those mistakes.
If you find certain topics challenging, seek help from teachers, tutors, or online resources. Don’t hesitate to clarify doubts.
Maintain a positive mindset. Confidence is crucial for performing well on the SAT.
Ensure you get adequate sleep in the days leading up to the test. Being well-rested can significantly improve concentration and overall performance.
Know the location of your test center. Plan to arrive early on test day to reduce stress and ensure a smooth start.
Eat well and stay hydrated. Physical well-being contributes to mental alertness.
If your SAT includes an essay, practice writing essays within the given time frame. Work on structuring your responses effectively.
Take official SAT practice tests regularly to get a sense of the actual exam conditions and to track your progress.
Keep yourself informed about any updates or changes to the SAT, including test format and content.
Familiarize yourself with test-day policies, including what to bring, what not to bring, and other important guidelines.
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.
Interested in studying abroad?
Share your details & our experts will call to discuss your goals
MSM Unify is a student marketplace that connects students with educational institutions and recruitment partners worldwide. We unify and allow everyone in the industry to work collaboratively to reach the world’s curious learners and provide them with a host of options when it comes to their education.
Download our App
Download our App
Copyright © 2024, MSM Unify. All rights reserved.
Google