The SAT, or the Scholastic Assessment Test, is an entrance test used by most universities to make admission decisions; alternatively, it is also used to give out scholarships. The students taking the SAT are tested in a multiple-choice format. The test has been completely computerised since the end of 2023 and is administrated by the College Board Organization. The SAT tests you on your Mathematical Skills as well as your Evidence-based Reading and Writing Skills. The test takes about 2 hours and 14 minutes to complete, excluding the 10-minute break between the Math and English Sections. Normally, the fee for the SAT is $60, or about ¹ 5,011. However, in India, the test fee is $80 + $40 in taxes and additional charges making it cost about ¹ 10,100. The highest SAT score is 1600, divided evenly between English and Math, making the two 800 marks each.
It is recommended – as most high school students do – to take the SAT during their junior or senior year of high school, i.e. 11th or 12th Grade. It’s important to leave time to re-take the test if you need to raise your score before you apply to college. The best way to prepare for the SAT is to know what to expect, being familiar with the format of the SAT will help you feel more comfortable on test day. The best way to do so is to take the 6 Free Practice Tests that College Board provides through the Blue Book Application. The Blue Book App is the most integral part of taking the SAT as it not only helps you practice for it but is also the software that the test is conducted on. It is important to time yourself while attempting practice tests as admissions tests, especially the SAT, are very strictly timed. The best platform to practice for the SAT is free of cost; Khan Academy is the Official SAT Practice partner of College Board. Not only does it provide videos to learn the syllabi but also takes recapitulation quizzes after you complete a topic so that it remains engrained in your mind. Some last-minute tips I would give are to get a good night’s sleep before the exam, to know where your test centre is located in advance and to carry a snack and a water bole with you to the exam. Always remember, practice makes you perfect.
