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EducationUSA Canada

Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT)

The SAT is a standardized test required of high school graduates for admissions to colleges and universities in the United States, and has the reputation of being the most widely used college admissions exam. The SAT is owned, published and developed by the College Board. The SAT consists of a Reasoning Test, and the choice of Subject Matter Tests.

Reasoning Test  The SAT Reasoning Test is a three-hour and forty-five minute test covering the areas of Reading, Writing and Math, testing in subject areas related to your coursework at high school.

What will I be tested on? The SAT Reasoning Test is made up of 10 separately timed sections:

  • Three sections testing critical reading (70 minutes total)
  • Three sections testing mathematics (70 minutes total)
  • Three sections testing writing (60 minutes total)
  • One variable unscored section testing either mathematics, reading or writing (25 minutes total)

The critical reading section includes reading passages and sentence completions. The writing section includes a short essay and multiple-choice questions on identifying errors and improving grammar and usage. The mathematics section includes questions on arithmetic operations, algebra, geometry, statistics and probability.

What is the “unscored” section? According to the the College Board: “Each SAT exam includes an extra 25-minute critical reading, mathematics or writing multiple-choice section that doesn’t count toward your score. This section is where we try out new questions to make sure that future exams are fair for students from different backgrounds. It also helps us make sure that scores from students taking future exams can be compared to scores from students who took earlier versions of the test.”

SAT Subject Tests are hour-long, content-based exams that allow you to select the subject matter areas you test in. Colleges and universities will either indicate which subject tests are required for admissions to certain programs, and others will allow students to choose for themselves. The SAT Subject Tests are used for admissions, course placement and to advise students on course selection once enrolled in a college or university program.

Learn More about Why the SAT Subject Tests might be right for you:If you are interested in a particular subject or program of study, the SAT Subject Test will allow you to showcase your learning, skills and knowledge in that particular area.

  • ESL and Foreign Language students can demonstrate their achievement in subject areas not as reliant on English, such as Math, Sciences, and Foreign Languages.
  • SAT Subject Tests allow you the opportunity to differentiate yourself, and to provide a more complete picture of your academic interests and abilities.

How to choose which Subject Tests to take: You need to first consider whether the colleges or universities you are applying to require or recommend certain Subject Tests

  • Next, consider which tests best represent you abilities, knowledge and interests in relation to the major you are pursuing (journalism, pre-med, cultural studies, etc.)
  • Also think about how the SAT Subject Tests you choose compare to your current admissions credentials, (high school grades, SAT Reasoning scores, extra-curricular activities, ect.), and whether or not the Subject Tests can help to broaden the range of credentials you present for admissions.
  • You should also consider taking the Subject Tests in areas for which you have already completed coursework. It is recommended by the College Board that you take the SAT Subject Tests as you complete a course, allowing you to test in relation to when you learnt the material. In other words, take the tests when you are best prepared to do well, and don’t wait!
  • Even if the college or university you are applying to does not require SAT Subject Test scores, consider taking them in relation to your major field of interest, as well as in relation to the courses you want to pursue in a particular program. Many colleges and universities will still review your Subject Test scores as a part of your application, even if not required. The SAT Subject Tests will give a more complete picture of your academic background, and provide a strong signal of your preparedness for a specific program of study.
  • The SAT Subject Tests can also help you to get placed in the courses you want, and can potentially be used to receive exemptions or credit for certain core courses.

There are twenty SAT Subject Tests in five general subject areas (English, History, Languages, Mathematics, and Sciences).

SAT Subject Test Dates & Deadlines SAT Subject Tests are offered concurrently with the SAT Reasoning Test, at the same testing sites and on the same dates. However, not all of the Subject Tests are available on each testing date. You may sit either the Reasoning Test or up to three Subject Tests on the same testing date, meaning to complete both the SAT Reasoning and SAT Subject Tests, you will need to register for two separate testing dates. Be sure to consult with the admissions departments you are applying to in order to confirm that they will take results from two testing dates (SAT Reasoning & SAT Subject Tests) versus only one testing date (SAT Reasoning only or ACT with Writing). Test dates and deadlines.

How is the SAT scored? Each of the three sections of the SAT Reasoning Test (Reading, Writing, Math) is scored on a 200- to 800- scale for a possible total of 2400. You will also receive two sub-scores; one on the Writing section, consisting of a multiple choice score of 20 to 80; and an essay score from 2 to 12. Points are added for correct answers, and a fraction of a point is deducted for wrong answers. Questions that you skip are not counted either for or against your score, and no points are deducted from wrong answers on the Math questions in which answers are entered into a grid.

This process of adding and deducting points produces your raw score. You are then given a scaled score on the 200-800 scale that will allow you to compare your scores with those of other students who have taken alternative versions of the test, and with your own scores on previous versions of the test. Learn more about Score Reporting and SAT Scores.

When should I take the SAT?  Most students take the SAT Reasoning test at least twice, once in the spring term of their third year of high school, and again in the fall of their fourth year. The SAT Subject Tests can also be taken at the end of your third year, or beginning of your fourth year of high school. You should take your Subject Tests as soon as possible after completing the related subject at school. Students tend to perform better on Language tests after two full years of study.

Important information about the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT):

Admissions Tests