Everything to know about the SAT Test
What is an SAT test?
The SAT, or SAT test, is a standardized entrance exam for US colleges created by the College Board. It tests your knowledge of math, reading, and writing, with the aim of showing how ready you are to attend college. SAT stands for Scholastic Assessment Test, although it used to stand for Scholastic Aptitude Test.
Colleges used to require applicants to take the SAT (or a similar test such as the ACT). However, critics have argued that such assessments are biased in favor of students who are able to pay to take the test multiple times, or for extra tuition. As a result, many colleges have made the SAT optional — you can include test scores as part of your application, but won’t be looked on unfavorably if you choose not to. They’ll also take your grades, essay, extracurricular activities, and letters of recommendation into account.
SAT test structure
The SAT is mostly a multiple-choice test, with some questions in the math test that require a longer written answer. It has two sections:
- Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, which consists of the Reading Test and Writing and Language Test
- Math. This test is split into two subcategories: Math — No Calculator and Math — Calculator
Your results for each section will be used to generate your score (see more on that below).
From 2024 the SAT will be fully digital, which means paper tests will no longer be offered.
Where to take an SAT test
You can take the SAT at your nearest test center. Some schools offer the SAT School Day, which means you can take it at your school instead.
When does the SAT take place?
The SAT takes place seven times a year, normally on the first Saturday of the month in October, November, December, March, May, June, and August.
If your school offers the SAT School Day you’ll be able to take the test on a weekday. This is normally done during the fall or spring semesters.
How many times can I take the SAT?
You can take the SAT as many times as you like. Most students take it more than once to try to raise their scores.
How long does the SAT test take?
The SAT takes three hours to complete. The timing of the three sections is broken down as follows:
| Section | Minutes allocated | Number of questions or tasks |
| Reading | 65 | 52 |
| Writing and Language | 35 | 44 |
| Math | 80 | 58 |
| Total | 180 | 154 |
You can take a 10-minute break after the Reading section and a five-minute break after the No Calculator part of the Math section. This brings the total time to three hours and 15 minutes.
The upcoming digital SAT is said to take around two hours to complete and has two sections: Reading and Writing, and Math.
How much does the SAT test cost?
It costs $60 to register for a SAT test. You can do this online or by mail, but doing it online is quicker.
You’ll pay extra fees if you:
- Register late (less than a month before the SAT date) ($30)
- Change your test center ($25)
- Cancel your registration ($25)
- Cancel your registration late (less than a month before the SAT date) ($35)
How is the SAT scored?
Your SAT score will be calculated using your points from the two sections of the test: Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and Math. Each section will have a raw score, which is simply the number of questions you got right. The raw score is then converted to a number between 200 and 800. Your total score will be between 400 and 1600.
What is a good SAT test score?
A good SAT test score is one that will help you get into your college of choice. Each college has different requirements and many have made SAT scores optional on applications, so be sure to check.
Which test is easier: SAT or ACT?
ACT is an alternative test to the SAT. Neither test is easier than the other, but they’re structured differently. The ACT consists of English, Math, Reading, and Science sections, plus an optional Writing section. You may find the ACT supports your application more if you’re planning to major in a science subject.
If you’re not sure which test to take, you could take practice tests for both and compare your scores to see which one is stronger.
SAT Study Guide
Making time to study will help you feel more prepared — and therefore more confident. Here are some ways you can study in the time leading up to the SAT
Make a study timetable
A plan will help you use your study time wisely and stop you from cramming everything in at the last minute. Choose a test date, then work backwards so you can schedule study sessions around your other commitments. This will give you enough time to cover everything you need to, but also enough breaks so you don’t get burnt out.
Start with SAT prep tests
The saying “practice makes perfect” definitely applies here. Start by testing your current knowledge base with SAT resources and practice tests, it is a great way to see what you do well and what you need to revise in more depth. They also help you get used to the SAT format, so when you take it you won’t have any surprises. Keep taking the tests throughout your study period and keep a record of your scores so you can measure your progress.
Improve the way you take the tests
There’s a method to taking the SAT that will increase your chances of getting the right answers within the time limit. The saying ‘work smarter, not harder’ definitely applies. Here are some ways you can improve the way you take the test.
- Read the instructions carefully — this will help you with context and semantics. Make sure you understand what each question is before answering it.
- Learn how to increase your reading speed without missing crucial information.
- Answer the questions you know first. Not only will this ensure you’ve ticked off a proportion of the test, but it’ll give you a confidence boost.
- Eliminate incorrect answers. Sometimes the process of elimination leads you towards the right answer.
- Budget your time. Taking practice tests is a great way to get better at completing each section of the SAT within the allocated time. This helps to stop you feeling rushed on the day.
Learn from your mistakes
Don’t just take the practice tests and move on — review your performance so you can spot what mistakes you made and understand why you made them.
Spend time on your weaker areas
Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses. Knowing what yours are allows you to focus on the areas you find more challenging and improve your skills. Not only can this help raise your score, but also your self-belief going into the test.
That said, don’t neglect the things you’re good at. Ideally you’ll be able to spend enough time studying that you can work on the areas you’re less confident in, whilst maintaining your skills in the areas you’ve mastered.
Buy or borrow SAT prep books
SAT prep books are useful because they cover everything you might need to know while preparing, with specific advice about how to pace yourself, getting used to the format of the test, and useful ways to study. They often include practice exams too.
Look into SAT prep programs
If you work better with external feedback, you might find a SAT prep program a helpful addition to a book. Some high schools offer courses for students, so check with yours. If not, there are plenty of free resources available online. You can also budget for low-cost and more expensive courses, depending on what you can afford.
Learn how to manage your time
Time management is something you’ll have grappled with already at this point in your academic career, but it’s a skill that will help you throughout college and beyond so it’s always worth working on. And for the SAT specifically, it’ll help you pace yourself when answering the questions in each section of the test within the given time. Too quick and you risk missing important information and context; too slow and you risk running out of time. Complete your practice tests in timed conditions so you get used to it. Check out our guide on time management and how to optimize your studying if you’re interested in more help.
Join a study group
If you find it difficult to study alone, you could join a study group. You can hold each other accountable, share SAT resources, and support each other — spending time with people who are experiencing the same thing can help relieve some of the stress.