Tests
The College Board’s SAT Program consists of the SAT Reasoning Test (SAT) and SAT Subject Tests. According to College Board, the SAT Reasoning Test is designed to measure students’ “critical thinking skills.? It is a general test of verbal and quantitative reasoning required for admission to undergraduate programs of most universities in the US. SAT is conducted 6 to 7 times a year.
The test measures skills in three areas: critical reading, math, and writing. Most of the questions are multiple choices; however students are also required to write a 25-minute essay. Preparing for the test involves becoming comfortable with the test format and question types, having knowledge of effective test taking strategies, practicing the right kinds of test taking exercises, and studying the categories of material covered on the test. The SAT consists of seven sections: 3 verbal sections, 3 math sections,1 experimental section.
The SAT results contain three different scores:
•Total score – 400-1600,
•Verbal section – 200-800,
•Mathematics section – 200-800.
Most universities consider a score of above 1300 to be good. A score of above 1400 would be considered Very good. Above 1500 would be considered Excellent.
Dates and Deadlines
SAT is administered 7 times a year for students in U.S., Puerto Rico, and U.S. Territories. But, for overseas students, the SAT is offered only 6 times each calendar year on designated dates.
SAT Eligibility Criteria
There are no eligibility criteria for SAT. You can take it during your Class XI or even after the XII boards. Just keep your college application deadlines in mind as admission decisions are largely dependent on SAT scores (along with GPA, transcript, recommendations, etc.).
Test Format
Critical Reading – 70 minutes
Writing- 60 minutes
Mathematics – 70 minutes