The SAT is one of two standardized tests (along with the ACT) used for college admissions in the United States. It is designed to measure a student's preparedness for college by testing critical thinking skills that are essential for success after high school. The SAT is the preferred standardized test for most colleges on the East and West coasts.
Critical Reading 800 points
Writing 800 points
Mathematics 800 points
The SAT has 10 test sections: 3 math sections, 3 critical reading sections, 3 writing sections, and a "variable" section of either math, critical reading, or writing. Even though the variable section doesn't count toward your score, you have no way of knowing which section is the variable section, so you must do your best on all 10 sections.
Each test section is timed to take either 10, 20, or 25 minutes. The whole test will take you 3 hours and 45 minutes to complete.
When Is The SAT Given?
The SAT is given 7 times-per-year during January, March, May, June, October, November, and December. Specific test dates and locations can be found at collegeboard.com.
What is New About The SAT?
In 2005, the College Board made significant changes to the SAT:
- In the Critical Reading Sections, there are now paragraph and paired-paragraph reading analysis questions.
- In the Writing Sections, there is a new section consisting of multiple-choice questions and a new section that requires a student-produced essay.
When Should I Register For The SAT?
You should register for the SAT at least six weeks before your testing date. This way, you will avoid late registration fees and increase your chances of taking the test at your preferred testing center.
How Can I Register For The SAT?
You can register through the mail by completing the SAT registration form inside the annual SAT Bulletin. You should be able to find a copy of the SAT Bulletin at your high school guidance office.
You can also register online for the SAT at collegeboard.com. By the way, at that same website, you can register for the "SAT Question of the Day" which will be sent free to your email address daily. This is an excellent way to discover what kinds of questions you will be asked in all three sections.
What is the "QAS?"
The Question-and-Answer Service (QAS) is prepared by collegeboard.com. This service provides the actual test questions you answered on the SAT, the correct answers, scoring instructions, and a form to use to order a copy of your answer sheet. For all the questions, you get the question type, level of difficulty, and whether you answered correctly, incorrectly, or omitted the answer.
QAS is offered for only the Saturday test in October and January. In May, it is offered for the Saturday and Sunday tests, and for students eligible for accommodations that require school-based testing dates. The fee for the service is $18. With QAS, you can also order a copy of your answer sheet for an additional fee of $25.
Please note: QAS materials are mailed six to eight weeks after the test. In many cases, QAS materials may not arrive until after the next scheduled test date. Keep this in mind if you plan to use the materials to prepare for retesting. You can order QAS when you register for the test, or when you receive your SAT scores. QAS can be ordered up to five months after the test date.
What is the "SAS?"
The Student-Answer-Service (SAS) is prepared by collegeboard.com. This service provides a list of question types; the level of difficulty; whether you answered the question correctly, incorrectly, or omitted the answer. The actual test questions and answers are not provided.
SAS is available only on the test dates for which QAS is not offered - November, December, March, and June. It is also available for Sunday and school-testing dates in October and January.
You can order SAS when you register for the test, or when you receive your SAT scores. SAS is available for up to five months after the test date. If you order them after your test, you should receive the materials six to eight weeks after they receive your order. The fee for the Student Answer Service is $12.
What Are The SAT Subject Tests?
SAT Subject Tests are sometimes required by certain colleges. Each test is one hour long, and consists of multiple-choice questions. The tests are given in the following subjects:
Biology World History
Chemistry Literature
Physics Math - Level I & Level II
U.S. History Foreign Languages
For further information, please go to collegeboard.com. We do not offer instruction in the Subject Tests.
Do I Need An SAT Prep Course?
If you're not sure, contact us and take our Power Review. In only six hours you'll quickly see if you are ready for the SAT or not.
If you decide to take our SAT Prep Course, you'll begin by taking an SAT Diagnostic Pretest to determine your strengths and weaknesses. This test is given before the first class, and you will get the results back the next day.
Does Your Prep Course Offer A Guarantee?
Yes. We stand behind our Prep Course and your results:
1) If you are not happy with our 8-Week Prep Course by the end of the second class, we will offer you a full tuition refund.
2) If you have already taken the SAT before taking our Prep Course and your score does not surpass your previous one, we will offer you a full tuition refund. In order to qualify for this refund, you must attend all of the Prep Course sessions and complete every homework assignment.
3) If for any reason you are not satisfied with your actual SAT score, you may retake the course anytime it's offered during the following year.