What is the SAT?- The Complete Guide

The SAT stands for Scholastic Assessment Test which was also known as the Scholastic Aptitude Test earlier in 1926. It is a standardized entrance test which is widely accepted by many colleges across the United States, this test is considered as part of the college admission process.

SAT Full Form	Scholastic Assessment Test
Owned By	The College Board
SAT Length	3 hours (+50 minutes for essay section)
SAT Sections	Math, Evidence-based reading and writing, Essay section
Highest SAT Score	1600
Average SAT Score	1060
Lowest SAT Score	400
SAT Cost	$46 ($60 with essay section)

SAT Test

The College Board is a private, non-profit organization in the United States that owns, develops, and publishes the SAT. The Educational Testing Service administers the test on behalf of the College Board.

This SAT Test is conducted to measure the student’s readiness for college. The SAT score is said to be an indicator of how well the student can perform in college. You must know how long does the SAT take and prepare yourself accordingly.

The SAT duration is 3 hours and 50 minutes including the essay section. And the total score is 1600, which is combined from the two-section scores. There is no negative marking for the wrong answers so you need not worry about making wrong choices.

• The four sections of the SAT include Reading, Writing, Language, and Math (with and without the use of calculators).

• An additional essay section is available at the end of the four basic sections. Students may or may not take this section.

• The normal duration of the exam is 3 hours. If the essay section is attempted an additional half-hour is allotted to students.

• The total score of the exam is the combined result of two section scores.

• SAT score is entirely based on the number of correct answers and hence students needn't worry about negative marking.

• Low scores can be covered up with a remarkable college application. Moreover, most colleges ask students to take up an extra-course, to balance the low scores that they have secured.

SAT Format

The range of sat score is between 400-1600 for the total score, however, the scores are divided into two sub-scores which comprise of ‘Math’ and another sub-score which combines your reading and writing skills to form the “Evidence-based reading and writing”, the subscores range is between 200-800.

To determine a good sat score depends on the colleges and universities you are interested to be a part of, you must be aware of the highest sat score that is 1600, consisting of 2 sections having 800 marks each.

The SAT has three main sections which are Math, Evidence-Based and Writing, and an optional essay section, the below table shows the breakdown of each section.

Section	Sub- Section	Number of Questions	Total time
EBRW (Evidence-Based Reading & Writing)	Reading Writing	52 questions 44 questions	65 Minutes 35 minutes
Math	With calculator Without calculator	58 questions	55 minute 25 minute

The SAT format might look so simple, but remember pacing foe the SAT is one of the difficult and yet important parts of the test preparation.

The following table shows you the contents covered in each section along with the breakdown of time per question for each section.

Section	Time per question	Content Covered
Reading	1 minute 15 seconds per questions	Reading and vocabulary in context
Writing	45 seconds per questions	Grammar and usage
Math (with Calculator) Math (without Calculator)	1 minute 30 seconds per question 1 minute 15 seconds per question	Heart of algebra, problem-solving & data analysis, the passport to advanced math, geometry, trigonometry, and precalculus.

How is the SAT Scored?

The SAT is scored from starting with the evaluation of raw score - it is the number of questions answered correctly in each section, there is no negative marking, which means no points will be deducted for wrong answers.

The raw scores are then converted into a scaled score of 800 in each main section (Math, EBRW). For example, a raw score of 57 in the math section may range up to780 or 790 down the line.

And a raw score of 80 in the EBRW would be converted into a scaled score of 800.

And finally, the scaled scores of math and EBRW are added together to arrive at the composite score out of 1600. This composite score is the final score which is considered by the colleges during the admission process.

(Also, read about good SAT score)

Your essay score is not added to the total composite score, but essays can help you get a scholarship, which is worth the time you spent on it.

Knowing how the essay is scored can help you in your preparation if you’re about to choose the optional essay section.

The SAT essay is evaluated based on three classifications. The primary classification measures the briefness of the prose passage in your comprehension. The secondary classification evaluates the rhetorical analysis in your essay.

The last classification considers the clarity of your composition style.

Even an average SAT score can get you in several colleges for your preferred classes.

You may also like to read; How to calculate SAT score 

How is the Essay Scored in SAT?

Two graders read your SAT essay, and every one of them doles out you a score (going from 1-4) in three classes: Reading, Analysis, and Writing.

The primary classification evaluates your comprehension of the prose passage in the brief. The subsequent class assesses the adequacy of the rhetorical analysis in your essay. The last classification considers the lucidity and assorted variety of your composition style.

After every grader counts up, they include their scores together, and give you three article scores, each going from 2 to 8.

Getting a perfect essay score isn't that hard. It takes planning and practice to achieve those scores.

SAT Percentiles

The SAT percentile is the ranking used to see the average position when compared to the other test-takers.  In case if the student scored above the 50th percentile, let’s say you have scored 62nd percentile, which means you have scored higher than the 62% of other test-takers.

Remember. The more the SAT score, the higher the chance of getting into a popular college or university.

Some students may be describing their scores as good SAT scores, Average or bad SAT scores. It all depends on the college they are aiming for and also is generally decided by the SAT percentiles.

The following table shows you the scores and the SAT percentile they come under.

SAT Percentile	EBRW (Evidence-Base Reading and Writing)	Math	Total
90th Percentile	670	680	1340
75th Percentile	600	590	1180
50th Percentile	530	520	1050
25th Percentile	460	450	910
10th Percentile	400	390	810

The highest SAT score possible is 1600 points. And the national average SAT score is considered as 1060. As aforementioned good or bad SAT score depends on the college your aiming for. For example, let’s say if you want to get into Yale University then SAT score of above 1430 is considered as a good score, but whereas when you’re aiming for the University of Florida, then SAT  score of 1170 is considered to be a good score.

You can also determine your SAT as whether good or average by comparing it with other test taker percentiles. The following table consists of SAT score data and their Percentile rankings.

SAT Marks	Percentiles
1330-1600	90-99+
1230-1330	80-89
1170-1230	71-79
1110-1170	61-79
1060-1110	51-60
1000-1060	40-50
950-1000	31-39
890-950	21-30
810-950	11-20
750-810	5-10
680-750	1-4
400-680	1-3

Number of trials allowed for the SAT

The students can take the SAT any number of times. But only the latest 6 test scores will be taken into consideration.

Though you can take the test many times, it is recommended that the student take the test for a maximum of 4 times in total. 

Some colleges permit the score choice option. This allows the student to submit the best scores for the college admission process. But before you do that, be aware of whether or not your college allows the score choice policy and act accordingly.

How to Prepare for the SAT?

Proper preparation is an important key for getting good scores in the SAT, below we have shared our best tips to help you in preparing for the SAT

1. Start by External Reading

There is a general misconception that students lose marks in the math section regardless of whether it is with a calculator or without a calculator section, no. students lose marks mostly in the EBRW  section. So start practice reading some non-fiction books outside the class also.

And you will be having five big compact passages in a row all in an hour so you might feel frustrated and may make a lot of careless mistakes So start practicing ng.

2. Learn Math Tricks and Hacks

As you might be aware that there are two math sections, one with the calculator and the other without the calculator. Sometimes you may get stuck with simple math problems. So learning a few math tricks like mental math calculation can help you solve the problem with ease and efficiently by saving time.

3. Don’t Underestimate Grammar

As aforementioned, the EBRW section might look so simple, but don’t underestimate the grammar. In that section, students most of the marks because of grammar. Because nearly half of the verbal section is made up of grammar questions. So it is advised to brush up on grammar a bit

4. Take Full-length Practice Tests

Taking full-length tests helps you analyze where your weaknesses among the three main sections of the SAT, how long do it takes for you to complete the test, is that efficient enough, and more.

And also one full-length practice test is an effective way to prepare for the SAT day, it also builds up confidence after two or three practice tests.

5. Avoid Cramming

It is suggested that you avoid cramming for the SAT, basically cramming is stuffing information into the brain, irrespective of their importance.

So instead of stuffing 1000 things in your mind, just stuff 100 things and be clear with them.

6. Beat Your Weaknesses

Once you have taken a full-length practice test, you may be aware of your weakness. So start working on your weak spot, keep practicing until there is no weakness.

7. Fix a Goal

Before you start preparing, try to have a goal. Let’s say a goal to attain 1500 scores in the SAT. by having a goal, you will know where to start, how to end it, and most importantly it acts as a motivator and helps you focus in your preparation.

8. Create a Study Schedule

Planning a study schedule is as important as fixing a goal. A goal just helps you focus, whereas planning helps you attain to achieve them by making calculated moves at the right time.

9. Practice

Practicing for the SAT makes you better in each practice test you take. It is suggested that the student take at least 3-4 full-length practice test.  The practice test also boosts up the student’s confidence level toward the SAT.

SAT scores for the Colleges and Universities

Below is a list of few popular colleges with their SAT score requirements and their acceptance rates.

Universities that accept SAT scores between above 1340

Rank	University Name	SAT 25th Percentile	SAT 75th Percentile	Acceptance Rate
1	Stanford University	1390	1580	5.0%
2	Harward University	1400	1600	5.6%
3	University of Pennsylvania	1380	1550	10.2%
4	Washington University in St. Louis	1400	1550	16.7%
5	Yale University	1430	1600	6.7%
6	Bowdoin College	1360	1510	14.9%
7	Columbia University	1380	1570	6.6%

Universities for SAT scores between 1200-1340

Rank	University Name	SAT 25th Percentile	SAT 75th Percentile	Acceptance Rate
1	University of Southern California	1270	1500	16.6%
2	New York University	1250	1470	32.1%
3	The University of Michigan- Ann Harbor	1290	1500	26.3%
4	Northern University	1340	1510	28.5%
5	Boston University	1200	1410	32.6%
6	Cornell University	1330	1530	15.1%
7	UC Berkeley	1250	1510	16.9%

Universities accepting SAT scores between 1030-1200

Rank	College Name	SAT 25th Percentile	SAT 75 Percentile	Acceptance Rate
1	UCLA	1180	1470	17.30%
2	Penn State	1090	1300	51.30%
3	UT Austin	1170	1410	39.20%
4	University of Florida	1170	1350	47.50%
5	Syracuse University	1090	1290	48.30%
6	UC Santa Barbara	1090	1360	32.60%
7	University of Washington	1120	1370	53.30%

Universities accepting SAT scores between 830-1030

Rank	College Name	SAT 25th Percentile	SAT 75th Percentile	Acceptance Rate
1	San Diego State University	1010	1230	34.4%
2	Temple University	1010	1230	55.7%
3	The University of Alabama	980	1210	53.6%
4	Michigan State University	980	1260	66.3%
5	Liberty University	930	1190	21.6%
6	University of Arizona	980	1230	76.4%
7	Howard University	990	1220	49.0%

Universities accepting SAT scores below 830

Rank	College Name	SAT 25th Percentile	SAT 75 Percentile	Acceptance Rate
1	California State University	790	1010	45.6%
2	CSU Los Angeles	780	990	68.1%
3	Clark Atlanta University	740	920	51.2%
4	SUNY Buffalo State College	800	1000	62.3%
5	CSU East Bay	800	1020	74.0%
6	Morgan State University	800	970	66.7%
7	CSU Fresno	790	1010	52.2%

Low SAT scores? Don’t worry

• Several colleges accept students with low SAT scores.

• The reason why they do it is that most of these colleges are specialization institutions for religion and arts.

• Hence, the college authorities would want students who are passionate about these courses and believe that the SAT scores shouldn’t prevent them from applying to these colleges.

One thing to always remember is that a sat score whether it’s good or bad is specific to you, the score that is good for you may or may not be good for others. The sat score is good only when it can accomplish its job of getting you admitted to your dream school, college, or university of your choice.

Conclusion

Altogether, you ought to decide the best course of study for you, catering to your strengths and weaknesses. Be prepared to take a seat for the SAT more than once, in particular in case you're aiming for a 90th percentile rating.

Elite scores pave way for admission to elite establishments, however, the manner itself takes time. Be patient as you strive to better understand your performance at the SAT and the function it performs in the lives of prospective undergraduates.

You may also like to read

• Colleges that don't require SAT

• SAT test dates