WHAT IS SAT?
The full form of the SAT is the Scholastic Assessment Test, previously known as the Scholastic Aptitude Test. The SAT is an entrance exam used by most colleges and universities to make admissions decisions. It is a multiple-choice, computer-based test created and administered by the College Board.
Table Of Contents:
THE PURPOSE OF SAT EXAM
The exam tests students on their verbal, reading, comprehension, analytical, and mathematical skills. The purpose of the SAT is to measure a high school student’s readiness for college and provide colleges with one common data point that can be used to compare all applicants.
College admissions officers will review standardized test scores alongside your high school GPA, the classes you took in high school, letters of recommendation from teachers or mentors, extracurricular activities, admissions interviews, and personal essays. The importance of SAT scores in the college application process varies from school to school.
Overall, the higher your score, the more options for attending college will be available to you.
THE STRUCTURE OF THE SAT EXAM
The digital SAT comprises two sections: Reading and Writing, and Math. Students have 64 minutes to complete the Reading and Writing section and 70 minutes to complete the Math section for 2 hours and 14 minutes.
Reading and Writing has two modules: 1st Module (32-minute) + 10-minute break + 2nd Module (32-minute).
Math also has two modules: 1st Module (35-minute) + 10-minute break + 2nd Module (35-minute).
Each section is divided into 2 equal-length modules, and there is a 10-minute break between the Reading and Writing section and the Math section. The first module of each section contains a broad mix of easy, medium, and hard questions. Based on how students perform in the first module, the second module of questions will either be more difficult or less difficult.
The Reading and Writing Section
The Reading and Writing section presents short reading passages (or passage pairs) followed by a single multiple-choice question. Questions in the Reading and Writing section represent one of four content domains:
- Craft and Structure: Measures the comprehension, vocabulary, analysis, synthesis, reasoning skills, and knowledge needed to understand using high-utility words and phrases in context, rhetorically evaluate texts, and make connections among topically related texts.
- Information and Ideas: Measures comprehension, analysis, reasoning skills, and knowledge; including the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, and integrate information as well as ideas from texts and informational graphics (tables, bar graphs, and line graphs).
- Standard English Conventions: Measures the ability to edit text to conform to core conventions of Standard English sentence structure, usage, and punctuation.
- Expression of Ideas: Measures the ability to revise texts to improve the effectiveness of written expression and to meet specific rhetorical goals.
The test is divided into two modules, each includes questions from all four different domains. The passages in the Reading and Writing section range from 25 to 150 words. Passages represent the subject areas of literature, history/social studies, the humanities, and science.
The Math Section
Like the Reading and Writing section, the Math section is divided into 2 modules. Throughout the Math section, you’ll answer multiple-choice questions or type responses of questions that measure your fluency, understanding, and ability to apply math concepts, skills, and practices.
Approximately 30% of Math questions are in context. These in-context (“word”) questions require you to consider science, social studies, or real-world scenarios and apply your math skills and knowledge, along with an understanding of the context, to determine the answers.
Types of Math
There are four categories of math questions.
- Algebra: Includes the following types of 13-15 questions:
- 1 variable in Linear equations
- 2 variables in Linear equations
- Linear functions
- Systems of 2 linear equations in 2 variables
- Linear inequalities in 1 or 2 variables
- Advanced Math: Demonstrates an understanding of absolute value, quadratic, exponential, polynomial, rational, radical, and other nonlinear equations. Advanced Math includes the following types of 13-15 questions:
- Equivalent expressions
- Nonlinear equations in 1 variable
- Systems of equations in 2 variables
- Nonlinear functions
- Problem-Solving and Data Analysis: Includes quantitative reasoning about ratios, rates, and proportional relationships; understands and applies unit rate; and analyzes and interprets one and two-variable data. Problem-solving and Data Analysis includes the following types of 5-7 questions:
- Ratios, rates, proportional relationships, and units
- Percentages
- One-variable data: distributions and measures of center and spread
- Two-variable data: models and scatterplots
- Probability and conditional probability
- Inference from sample statistics and margin of error
- Evaluating statistical claims: observational studies and experiments
- Geometry and Trigonometry: Includes the following types of 5-7 questions:
- Area and volume formulas
- Lines, angles, and triangles
- Right triangles and trigonometry
- Circles
Most Common Questions: Answered
Is SAT digital or offline?
In 2024, the college board has decided to make it digital.
Should I take the SAT or the ACT?
Compared to the ACT, the SAT provides 68% more time per question: Most colleges and universities will accept scores from either the SAT or ACT and do not favor one test over the other. The best way to decide is to take a timed full-length practice test of each type. Since the content and style of the SAT and ACT are very similar, factors like how you handle time pressure and what types of questions you find most challenging can help you determine which test is a better fit.
What is the SAT Exam pattern?
| Component | Time Allotted (minutes) | Number of Questions/Tasks |
|---|---|---|
| Reading and Writing | 1st Module: 32-minute modules 10-minute break 2nd Module: 32-minute modules Reading & Writing: 64-minute | 54 |
| Math | 1st Module: 35-minute modules 10-minute break 2nd Module: 35-minute modules Math: 70-minute | 44 |
| Total Exam Time | 134 (2 hours 14 minutes) | 98 |
Are the 1st Module and 2nd Module the same in SAT?
No, the first module has a mix of easy-to-difficult questions, but the second module is entirely difficult.
Are all questions scored equally?
No, it is totally based on their level. The easy questions score less compared to the difficult questions.
How does the question series go?
The question series will go from easiest to hardest in each module, so spare extra time for further questions.
Does the exam contain all multiple-type questions?
Most of the questions are multiple-choice, though some of the math questions ask you to enter the answer rather than select it.
Can I give SAT on a mobile?
First, you download and run Bluebook on a Windows laptop or tablet, a Mac laptop, an iPad, or a school-managed Chromebook. You can’t run it on a mobile phone.
Is there a negative marking on incorrect questions-attempt?
On all questions, there’s no penalty for guessing: if you’re not sure of the answer, it’s better to guess than leave the response blank.
What is included in Reading and Writing Passages?
The passages in the Reading and Writing section range from 25 to 150 words. Passages represent the subject areas of literature, history/social studies, the humanities, and science.
What is In-context (Word) Math?
It is a real-world scenario, based on a science or social studies context that applies your math skills, knowledge, and understanding to determine the answers.
Am I allowed to use a calculator or a formula sheet?
Yes, you are. Your online exam will be conducted in Bluebook, in which you will get features to use digital formula sheets and a calculator.
What is a Student-Produced Response (SPR)?
As the name implies, answering the SPR Math questions means you’ll generate your own response and enter it into a response field positioned near the question. SPR questions may have more than one correct response, although you’ll supply only one answer.
Where can I take the exam?
You can take the exam from anywhere as long as you have a device. If you don’t have you can borrow from others or College Board.
How to prepare for the essay?
From 2024, the essay is gone. Ever since the exam has gone online, you do not need to submit an essay.
How to Score in SAT
The total score of the SAT is 1600 points, an equal combination of 800 points for Reading and Writing and another 800 points for Math. A score of 1060 is the national average score for the SAT which is decent enough. However, a score above 1200 is a good score and in the range of 1350 and 1400 is a competitive score. If you are planning for top universities then try to score more than 1450.
For college admission, only scores don’t count, your schooling and other curriculum activities matter too.
SAT Test Prep
There are a few things that you need to keep in mind before taking your exam.
The first module contains easy to difficult questions. At first, you get easy questions then their difficulty will start to increase. You will get 32-35 minutes to finish the first module hence spend more time for later questions.
The second module has only difficult questions but within the same amount of time 32-35 minutes, you will have to finish them up too.
The good thing is that the difficult questions contain more marks than easy ones.
To score Perfect-SAT, you must study all the exam curriculum mentioned above plus take as many SAT Tests as you can before the final exam. We will help you in this regard. We provide all SAT tests free of charge.
