In most of the universities in the United States, the scores from the SAT or ACT tests are required as a part of the admission process for an undergraduate degree. The SAT is a standardized test administered by the College Board across the globe, seven times a year. 

Format of the SAT

The SAT is a multiple-choice questionnaire covering these sections: 

• Math
• Evidence-Based Reading & Writing
• Writing (optional essay) 

Math Section: It consists of a single test with 58 multiple-choice questions divided into two internal modules: a non-calculator portion with 20 questions and, a calculator allowed portion with 38 questions. Total time allotted is 80 minutes out of which 25 minutes are for the non-calculator section while 55 minutes are for the calculator allowed section. Questions are mostly focused on Algebra, Trigonometry and Geometry.

Evidence-Based Reading Section: It consists of 52 multiple choice questions and time allotted is 65 minutes. This section asks students to identify vocabulary definitions and interpret passages. Passages based on literature, social sciences, history and natural sciences contribute towards the major body of this module.

Evidence-Based Writing Section: It consists of 44 multiple choice questions and time allotted is 35 minutes. Grammar, Vocabulary and Editing Skills make up the major part of this module.

Optional Essay Section: It has 1 essay in which the aspirant has to read a passage and explain the author’s credible argument. 50 minutes are allocated for this module. 

How is the SAT scored?

In the recent version of the SAT, every section is scored on a point scale of 200 to 800 to make a final score of 400 to 1600, combining test results from Math and Evidence-Based Reading & Writing as both are scored out of 800 points each. 

The essay is read and scored by 2 different people. Each person scores between 1-4 points for each dimension which include – reading, analysis and writing. The two scores are then added for each dimension and you will receive three scores, one for each dimension which will each range from 2-8 points. 

Many colleges and universities require the score of an essay while many others waive off this score. The expert counselors and mentors at UniRely recommend students to opt for the essay section. 

Registration Fee 

SAT without optional essay – $47.50 = ~3400 INR

SAT with optional essay – $64.50 = ~4600 INR

Availability & Duration:

US: 7 times a year 

Other countries: 6 times a year 

Duration of the test without the essay: 3 Hours 

Duration of the test with the essay: 3 Hours and 50 minutes 

Registration for the test should be done at least one month before the test and can be done on the Collegeboard website: https://www.collegeboard.org/. It provides a lot of information about the test. However, if you have any additional questions or comments, get in touch with your counselor at UniRely.