Many colleges require scores from the SAT or ACT tests as a part of the admissions process.  Your SAT score is a key component of your college applications.

SAT Basics

SAT Length 2 hours 14 minutes
SAT Sections
  • Evidence-Based Reading and Writing
  • Math 
SAT Cost $68
Highest SAT Score 1600
Average SAT Score 1060

What is the SAT?

The SAT is an entrance exam used by most colleges and universities to make admissions decisions. The SAT is a multiple-choice, computer-based test created and administered by the College Board. 

The SAT is used 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. How important SAT scores are in the college application process varies from school to school.

Overall, the higher you score on the SAT ( and/or ACT ), the more options for attending and paying for college will be available to you.

When should I take the SAT?

Most high school students take the SAT, the ACT, or both during the spring of their junior year or fall of their senior year. It's important to leave time to re-take the test if you need to raise your score before you apply to college. The SAT exam is offered nationally every year in August, October, November, December, March, May, and June. View all upcoming SAT test dates.

What is on the SAT?

There are two SAT sections, each with 2 modules:

Evidence-Based Reading and Writing

  • Module 1
  • Module 2

Math

  • Module 1
  • Module 2

Within each module, you can move back and forth from question to question, but you can’t go back to a previous module. This is because the SAT is an adaptive test, meaning the second module in each section is determined by your performance in the first.

How long is the SAT?

The SAT is 2 hours 14 minutes long broken down in the following way:

Evidence-Based Reading and Writing

  • Module 1: 32 minutes
  • Module 2: 32 minutes
  • Total Time: 64 minutes

Math

  • Module 1: 35 minutes
  • Module 2: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 70 minutes

How is the SAT scored?

Both sections of the SAT is are scored on a scale of 200 to 800 points scale. Your total SAT score is the sum of your section scores, making 1600 the highest possible SAT score.

How do I register for the SAT?

SAT registration deadlines fall approximately five weeks before each test date. Register online on the College Board website.

How can I prep for the SAT?

Now that you know about the test and what is on the SAT, we can help. We have SAT prep solutions for every student and every budget.

Should I take the SAT or the ACT?

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 if taking the SAT, ACT, or both tests is right for you is to take a timed  full-length practice SAT test and a full-length ACT practice test . 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.

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