What is SAT
The SAT® is a standardized test developed and administered by the College Board® to assist high school students in gaining admission to four-year colleges and securing academic scholarships. The updated version of this test, the Digital SAT®, is an adaptive, timed multiple-choice exam that assesses overall college readiness and will be the only version available to students starting in 2024.
Over 1000 Exam-Like Questions
Originally known as the Scholastic Aptitude Test, the SAT later became the Scholastic Assessment Test. Over time, as the test evolved and grew in popularity, the term SAT is no longer considered an acronym
SAT Overview
If you’re a high school junior or senior planning to attend college, the Digital SAT is a crucial test. This article provides a comprehensive guide to both the paper-and-pencil and digital versions of the SAT, covering their benefits, formats, and scoring systems.
What is the SAT Used For?
The SAT, available in both paper-and-pencil and digital formats, is used by universities to evaluate prospective students for admissions and merit-based scholarships. Standardized testing helps colleges identify talented students and offers a common metric for comparing applicants, given the varying educational standards across the country. Despite many colleges adopting test-optional policies, submitting strong SAT scores can still significantly enhance your application and eligibility for scholarships.
Did you know?
Studying a foreign language can boost your SAT score!
Who Can Take the SAT?
Every high school student is eligible to take the SAT. There are no age restrictions, but you should check specific eligibility requirements before registering. For more details, refer to the SAT eligibility requirements page.
When is the SAT Held?
The SAT is administered nationally seven times a year on Saturdays in March, May, June, August, October, November, and December. International test dates may vary. From 2024 onwards, all test administrations will be of the Digital SAT.
When Should You Take the SAT?
A large number of students take the SAT for the first time in the spring of their junior year. The College Board recommends taking it in 11th or 12th grade. While there’s no age limit, taking the PSAT 8/9/10 can help you prepare. You can also take the SAT after high school and retake it as many times as needed to improve your score.
Digital SAT vs Paper SAT
The Digital SAT, taken via the Bluebook™ testing app, is shorter than the paper-and-pencil version but maintains the same scoring structure. This format aims to enhance the test’s quality, security, delivery, and accessibility. Here’s a comparison:
Format of the digital SAT
The Digital SAT has undergone considerable changes in the test format and length. The Digital SAT test consists of two sections: Reading and Writing (RW), and Math. The following table summarizes the number of questions and the time allotted for each section on the digital SAT:
| Digital SAT | ||
|---|---|---|
| Component Test | No. of Questions | Time per test |
| Reading & Writing | 54 | 1 hr 4 mins |
| Math | 44 | 1 hr 10 mins |
| Total | 98 | 2 hr 14 mins |
Similar to the paper-and-pencil SAT, the Digital SAT tests you on a variety of skill sets indicating your overall college readiness. Here’s an outline of the topics you’ll be tested on:
Format of the SAT
The table below shows the number of questions and the time allotted for each of the component tests on the paper-and-pencil SAT:
| Paper-and-Pencil SAT | ||
|---|---|---|
| Component Test | No. of Questions | Time per test |
| Reading | 52 | 1 hr 5 mins |
| Writing and Language | 44 | 35 mins |
| Math | 58 | 1 hr 20 mins |
| Total | 144 | 3 hrs |
The paper-and-pencil SAT consists of three component tests: Reading, Writing and Language, and Math. Each component evaluates different skill sets and includes various question types. Here’s a breakdown of what each component test covers:
1. Reading Test
The Reading Test consists of five short passages with 10 – 11 multiple-choice questions for each passage. The Reading Test assesses you on three aspects:
- Comprehension
- Vocabulary
- Recognize implicit meanings in sentences
2. Writing and Language
The Writing and Language Test consists of four passages followed by multiple-choice questions. There are 11 MCQs for each passage. This test assesses you on the following skills:
- Edit and improve grammar errors
- Punctuation
- Word choice
- Sentence structure
- Tone
3. Math
The first section does not allow you to use a calculator. But you can use a calculator in the second section. Each of these sections is separately timed. Below is the the list of topics you will be tested on:
- Algebra
- Problem-solving/data-analysis
- Graphs
- Equations
- Nonlinear expressions
- Geometry
- Complex numbers
- Trigonometry
Digital SAT Scoring
The Digital SAT is scored similarly to the paper-and-pencil version, with each section scored on an 800-point scale, totaling 1600 points. For a detailed scoring breakdown, refer to the SAT Test format page.
The table below shows the score distribution for the paper and pencil SAT:
| Scoring Section | Component Test |
No. of Questions | Total Raw Score | Scaled Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EBRW | Reading | 52 | 52 | 800 |
| Writing and Language | 44 | 44 | ||
| MATH | Math | 58 | 58 | 800 |
| Total Scaled Score | 1600 | |||
Importance of the SAT
The SAT is crucial for admission to highly competitive colleges and for securing scholarships. Even with test-optional policies, strong SAT scores can demonstrate academic excellence and distinguish you from other applicants.
Why Take the SAT?
- Enhance College Applications:
Demonstrate academic growth and college readiness. - Compensate for a Low GPA:
Show your potential beyond your high school transcripts. - College Course Placement:
Achieve higher placements or skip introductory courses. - More Time Per Question:
Compared to the ACT, the SAT allows more time per question. - State Requirements:
Some states mandate the SAT for high school students.
Is the SAT Hard?
The difficulty of the SAT depends on your strengths. The Digital SAT, being adaptive, may seem less challenging as it tailors questions to your skill level in the second module of each section. Factors affecting your performance include lack of a study schedule, time management, and the challenge of the Reading and Writing test.
Enhancing Your Digital SAT Performance
Effective preparation is key to achieving a high SAT score. Our Digital SAT Prep Course offers practice tests and questions that mimic the exam format, helping you identify weak areas and improve your time management skills. Try a free trial to assess your readiness and compare your performance with other students.
