Whether you’re aiming for top undergrad programs or competitive scholarships, the SAT remains a key exam to showcase your college readiness. This hands-on guide walks you through what the SAT is, how it’s structured, how to prep, where to register, and insider tips to maximize your score.
1. What Is the SAT?
The SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) is a standardized, college-admissions exam administered by the College Board. It measures the core skills colleges care about most:
- Evidence-Based Reading & Writing: Reading comprehension, grammar, and usage
- Math: Problem-solving, algebra, data analysis, and advanced math (with and without calculator)
A strong SAT score can:
- Bolster your application at thousands of U.S. & international colleges
- Qualify you for merit scholarships and honors programs
- Demonstrate readiness for rigorous, college-level coursework
2. Structure of the Exam
| Section | Questions | Time | Score Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading | 52 MCQs | 65 minutes | 200–800¹ |
| Writing & Language | 44 MCQs | 35 minutes | 200–800¹ |
| Math No Calculator | 20 (15 MCQ + 5 grid-in) | 25 minutes | 200–800¹ |
| Math Calculator | 38 (30 MCQ + 8 grid-in) | 55 minutes | 200–800¹ |
| Total (EBRW + Math) | 154 questions | 3 hours total | 400–1600² |
¹ Section scores are combined into Evidence-Based Reading & Writing (EBRW).
² Composite score on a 400–1600 scale.
3. How to Prepare & Take the SAT
A. Build Your Study Plan
- Diagnostic Test
- Take an official practice exam on the College Board website or Khan Academy to identify your baseline.
- Set SMART Goals
- Specific: “Increase Math score by 50 points.”
- Measurable: Track weekly practice-test results.
- Achievable: Factor in schoolwork and activities.
- Relevant: Align goals with college targets.
- Time-bound: Plan 8–12 weeks before your test date.
- Weekly Routine
- 2–3 days for Math drills (focus on problem areas).
- 2–3 days for Reading & Writing practice (timed passages and grammar exercises).
- 1 day full-length, timed practice test.
- Daily vocabulary flashcards (25–30 words).
B. Use High-Quality Resources
- Official SAT Practice on Khan Academy: Free, personalized practice linked to real SAT questions.
- The Official SAT Study Guide (College Board): Full-length practice tests with detailed explanations.
- Prep Books: Look for recent editions from reputable publishers (e.g., Barron’s, Princeton Review).
- Mobile Apps: Daily bite-sized vocab and grammar drills.
C. Simulate Test Conditions
- Quiet space: Mimic test-center environment—no music, no phone.
- Timing: Use strict section timers (65 min for Reading, etc.) and simulate the 10-minute break.
- Tools: Scratch paper, approved calculator (no apps), and No. 2 pencil if you practice on paper.
4. Where to Register
- Visit: collegeboard.org
- Create or Log In to your College Board account.
- Choose Your Test Date: Offered in the U.S. in March, May, June, August, October, November, and December (international dates may vary).
- Select Test Center: Find a location within reasonable travel distance.
- Pay the Fee: $60 (U.S.), varies by country—late registration and changes incur extra charges.
- Confirmation: You’ll receive an admission ticket with date, time, and location—save or print it!
Pro Tip: Register 4–6 weeks before your preferred date to secure your spot, especially during peak season (spring of junior year).
5. Top Tips to Score Higher
- Master Pacing
- Reading: ~75 seconds/question
- Writing & Language: ~48 seconds/question
- Math: ~1.3 minutes/no-calculator question; ~1.45 minutes/calculator question
- Guess Strategically
- No penalty for wrong answers—eliminate obviously wrong choices, then pick.
- Build an Error Log
- After each practice session, record mistakes and categorize by question type. Review weekly.
- Strengthen Vocabulary
- Learn words in context via reading articles, fiction, and SAT-style sentences.
- Drill Weak Areas
- If geometry trips you up, devote two weekly sessions to it until you see steady progress.
- Simulate Full Tests
- At least 3–4 times before test day to build stamina and mental endurance.
- Focus on Fundamentals
- Solidify core grammar rules (parallelism, subject-verb agreement) and algebraic concepts (linear equations, systems).
- Stay Balanced
- Sleep well, eat brain-fueling foods, and take short breaks during study to prevent burnout.