SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test)
The SAT is a standardized test widely used for college admissions in the United States and other countries. It measures a student’s readiness for college by testing critical reading, writing, and mathematical reasoning skills. Many universities use it as part of the admissions process, and some even offer scholarships based on SAT scores.
Requirements
- Generally intended for high school students applying to universities. No explicit academic prerequisites. Fluency in English expected.
Test Duration & Fee
Total time: 2 hours 14 minutes, including a 10-minute break between sections.
Domestic (U.S.): $68 for registration.
International: $68 plus an additional $43 regional fee.
Additional service fees may apply for changes or late registration.
Exam Structure
Reading & Writing: 64 minutes total, split into two 32-minute modules (54 questions total).
Math: 70 minutes total, in two 35-minute modules (44 questions total), includes both calculator and no-calculator questions.
Adaptive format: The second module’s difficulty depends on performance in the first.
Scoring
- Section Scores:
Reading & Writing (combined): 200–800 points
Math: 200–800 points
Total Score: Sum of both sections → 400–1600
Raw vs Scaled Score:
Raw score = number of correct answers (no penalty for wrong answers).
Converted to scaled score via equating to ensure fairness across test forms.
Percentiles & Benchmarks:
Average total scores around 1050; Math ~521; Reading & Writing ~529.
Benchmarks: 480 for Reading & Writing, 530 for Math.
