What is the SAT I Reasoning Test?

This test is what it is commonly known as the S.A.Ts. It is a reasoning test which tests abilities in math, reading comprehension and writing. It is scored out of 2400 and is required for entry to most US colleges. It was previously known as Scholastic Aptitude Test.

What are the SAT II Subject Tests?

The Subject Tests are often required by some of the more selective US colleges like the Ivy League schools. Each subject test is one hour in length and tests common high school subjects like Chemistry, French and Math. Schools that require or recommend Subject Tests to be written usually require 2 or 3 of them.

What’s the difference between the SAT Reasoning Test and SAT Subject Tests?

The SAT Reasoning Test (SAT I)takes about 4 hours to write and measures your general math, reading, and writing abilities. The SAT Subject Tests (SAT II) are multiple choice tests on common subjects you would study in high school, such as Physics, Biology, Math, Literature, or World History. There are 20 different Subject Tests, each takes only one hour to write and is scored on a scale from 200-800. Many highly selective US colleges require applicants write two or three Subject Tests for admission, though they can often choose to take any ones they like.

Where can I register for the SAT?

You can register for the SAT at the College Board website or by calling 866-756-7346.

When can I write the SAT test?

In India, the test is administered 6 times a year in January, May, June, October, November and December.

How many times should I take the SAT?

The College Board (which conducts the SAT Examinations) has no limits on how many times a student can take the SAT. Most students take the exam two or three times to ensure their scores represent the best they can do. Typically, a student will make their first attempt at the SAT in the spring of grade 11 and then rewrite it in the fall of grade 12.

When do I have to write the SAT by?

Virtually all schools will accept scores from December of your grade 12 year. After December, it really depends on the school you are  applying to.

What is the highest possible SAT score?

The highest possible SAT I Reasoning Test score is 2400. For each of the SAT II Subject Tests, the highest possible score is 800.

Can I just send colleges only my highest SAT scores?

In March 2009, the College Board adopted a new policy: students are now able to choose which test results they would like to report to prospective schools. However, a number of schools including Columbia, Yale, UPenn, and Cornell have responded to this new policy by requesting that applicants send the results of every SAT test they have taken.

Note that even with this new policy, it is not possible to “divide up” the scores from a single SAT I test. All three sections scores of the SAT I (Math, Reading, and Writing) from a single test date must be sent together. However, most schools have a policy of only considering your highest scores. Some schools will take your best overall score from a single administration while others will mix and match your best scores for your entire test history. Even though schools look at only highest scores, it does not send a positive signal to admission officers when you take the exam too many times.

Should I guess answers on the SAT?

The SAT is designed so that random guessing will negatively affect your score. There is a quarter point deduction for wrong answer on multiple choice questions. However, it is often to your advantage to guess. If you can eliminate even one wrong answer, you can tip the odds in your favor and on average gain more points from strategic guessing than leaving a question blank.

When should I start to prepare for the SAT?

It’s never too early to start preparing. Students in the US start preparing as early as grade 8. Younger students can prepare by enhancing fundamental academic skills like reading comprehension and writing. In particular, one of the best ways to prepare is to read a large number of books at an early age.

What scores do I need to be a competitive applicant for top US colleges?

School Type	Examples	Estimated SAT Score Needed
Most Selective	Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Stanford, MIT	2250-2400
Very Selective	UPenn, Cornell, Dartmouth, Brown, Columbia, Duk	2150-2300
Selective	Emory, Chicago, Northwestern, Johns Hopkins, Rice	2050-2250
Top	NYU, Boston University, USC, Michigan	1900-2150

How important is the SAT?

The SAT is an integral part of the admissions criteria. US colleges utilize the SAT score in combination with the student’s GPA and school rank to determine the student’s “academic index,” an indicator of the student’s academic success and potential. In assessing students from less prominent high schools, admissions officers give the SAT extra weight. Students who are concerned that their school average and rank might fail to accurately depict their academic potential should viwe the SAT as an opportunity to demonstrate their skills.

Is it possible to combine different SAT I section scores from different tests?

No. Although the College Board now (as of March 2009) allows students to choose which scores will be sent to their prospective colleges, all three SAT I sections from one test date must be sent together. However, the majority of schools explicitly assert that in assessing the student’s performance on the SAT I, they focus on the student’s best score for each section.

How many hours should a student expect to study in preparation for
the SAT I?

Study time for the SAT varies significantly from student to student. The first step should always be to complete a diagnostic exam in realistic test conditions. Based on the results from this test, the student should determine a reasonable study schedule to improve on his/her weaknesses. Typically, the majority of students will need to dedicate at least 60 hours to maximize
performance on the SAT I.

What I should remember on test date?

On Test Day, make sure to do the following things:

• Eat breakfast! The SAT takes many hours to write.
• Bring snacks for the breaks between sections, and keep a bottle of water with you, as this is the only thing you are allowed to drink during the test.
• Bring the correct supplies: at least two number two pencils (no pens or mechanical pencils), a good eraser, and an approved calculator.
• Wear multiple layers, so that you can put on or take off clothing to adjust to the temperature of the testing room.
• Don’t forget to bring your picture ID (A passport is mandatory for International Students) and SAT admission ticket.