What is SAT ?
A standardized test, the SAT® measures Mathematical, Reading and Writing skills of students aspiring to undergo their undergraduate studies abroad. The test intends to aid Undergraduate Schools to assess the potential of the applicants for advanced study. Universities in the US, while inviting applications from prospective students, ask for SAT® scores. The examination is entirely a paper-based Test. The test is scored on a maximum of 1600. The SAT® I score alone cannot guarantee admission into a school – the test is only one of the major factors taken into consideration in the long process of an applicant getting admitted into a graduate school that they desire. The SAT® has following sections – Mathematics, Reading test and Writing and Language test.
What is the scoring scale for the SAT®?
- The Mathematics section is scored on a scale of 200-800
- The Critical Reading section is scored on a scale of 200-800
- The Essay is scored separately on a scale of 2-8
- The entire SAT® test score ranges from 400-1600
SAT® FAQs
The registration fee for Indian students taking SAT® is $113.5 ($96.5 plus $17 with essay).
SAT will be conducted 4 times a year. They are offered in October, December, March and May.
It is one of the various criteria that the admission council looks at. However, a good SAT® score does improve your chances of getting admission and financial aid.
You can register online or by mail. The detailed information about registering for the SAT® can be found at www.collegeboard.com
SAT can be taken an unlimited number of times. (It is highly advisable not to appear for SAT® too many times as it may affect the applicant’s candidature).
Your SAT® score will be valid for 5 years from the date the test was taken.
- The Mathematics section is scored on a scale of 200-800
- The Critical Reading section is scored on a scale of 200-800
- The Essay is scored separately on a scale of 2-8
- The entire SAT® I score ranges from 400-1600
The scores are available 3 weeks after the exam date.
Almost all the universities take the best score.
You should be ready with your SAT scores at the time of applying to universities. The College Board also says that sending scores very early shows colleges that you are a very interested applicant.
A lot of students take both the exams and send the best score to the universities. In fact, for students targetting the Top 10-15 universities in the US, this is a highly recommended strategy.
If you do not want to take both the exams, then the scientific approach will be to take an SAT diagnostic test and an ACT diagnostic test, and pick the one in which you performed better.