The SAT is the Scholastic Aptitude Test and the most widely used test among colleges and universities. The test is designed to test the student’s knowledge of subjects that are necessary for success at college, such as reading, math and writing. It assesses critical thinking skills necessary for students to be successful in college.
Students usually take the SAT during their junior year at high school so that the test results are released to the colleges by the time of admission deadline and so they have the time to take the test again. The scores theoretically represent the knowledge base of students and their ability to solve problems and communicate.
Each section of the test is scored on a scale from 200-800 and there are two writing sub-scores. The test is administered several times each year depending upon your state and the testing centers in your area. Students are also presented with a 25 minute section of the test that is not scored but is used to ensure that the test remains valid and fair. This portion of the test does not count toward the score and it can be a reading, math or writing section.
In total there are 10 testing sections. The first section is always a 25 minute essay and the last section is always a 10 minute multiple choice writing section. Most other sections are 25 minutes in length and the order may vary. Some testing centers also give students who are sitting in close proximity tests which have different content between the tests so that there is less of a chance of copying between students.
A perfect score for the SAT test is a 2400. The math section will test geometry, algebra, statistics, probability and data analysis. The writing section tests grammar, vocabulary, and sentence structure.
Students have the chance to take the SAT test another time. Colleges have the opportunity to take the best overall test score or mix and match the best sections to compile the best score between two tests. The report will also include percentiles and ranges which are used to evaluate the scores because no single score tells all about the test.
The SAT test is scored differently than the ACT. The ACT gives each student 1 point for a correct answer and does not take off points for incorrect answers. The SAT will take points off for incorrect answers but does not take off for skipped questions which means that students should not guess on their questions.
The SAT test should evaluate your knowledge of the subjects which means that you should have an intimate knowledge of the subject matter. But the test questions are also usually the same type so get some practice tests and practice, practice, practice.
Review your class notes in language arts and math. Concentrate on reading comprehension, vocabulary and grammar. The math sections will test geometry, algebra and arithmetic so be sure you have covered all of these topics in math before you go in and sit for the test.
For the last several practice tests do them as a timed test so you have a good feel for how the test is developed. Do not spend too much time on any one question and go back and finish any questions you have not finished before the end of the time. Study for the test for a month or several months but once the night before arrives do not crack a book and get to bed early. Get up early, arrive at the testing center early and be sure to bring all allowed supplies. Do not forget additional batteries for the calculator!
Eat a good breakfast the morning of the test to help your brain wake up and get moving. You will need that nutrition to keep yourself focused during the 3.5 hour test and to get the best possible score.
The SAT test is a giant in the process of admission to college. Students must take the testing process seriously, study for a month or so before the test and consider taking it again if they are not satisfied with their score.
How to Study For the SAT Exam
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