SAT

What is SAT?

The Standardized Admissions Test (SAT) tests the skills of reading,writing and math. Your forte in these subjects is important for success in college and throughout your life.

The reading segment includes reading passages and sentence completions.

The writing segment includes a short essay and multiple-choice questions on identifying errors and improving grammar and usage.

The math segment includes questions on arithmetic operations, algebra, geometry, probability and statistics.

SAT Exams are usually of two types – General test and Subject test. The examination is entirely a paper-based Test. The test is scored on a maximum of 2400. The SAT I score alone cannot guarantee admission into a school – the test is only one of the major factors considered in the long process of an applicant getting admitted into a graduate school he/she wishes.

SAT General Test or SAT I has three segments – Critical Reading, Mathematics and Writing. The test structure is shown in the table below:

MATHEMATICS CRITICAL READING WRITING
  • 2 sections of 25 minutes each and 1 section of 20 minutes
  • Content – Number & Operations; Probability; Data Analysis; Algebra & Function; Geometry; Statistics
  • Scoring – 200-800 points
  • 2 sections of 25 minutes each and 1 section of 20 minutes
  • Content – Reading Comprehension; sentence
  • Completions; paragraph-length critical reading - Scoring – 200-800 points
  • 1 section of 60 minutes
  • Content – Improving sentences; improving
  • Paragraphs; identifying sentence errors; essay - Scoring – 200-800 points

 

SAT Subject Test or SAT II

Subject Tests (formerly SAT II: Subject Tests) are designed to measure a student’s knowledge and skills in particular subject areas, as well as his ability to apply that knowledge. SAT Subject Test is required to be taken by students who desire to enroll in the topmost universities.

SAT is entirely a paper-based Test. The test is scored on a maximum of 800. SAT II Subject tests are one-hour tests offered in the subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Maths Level 1, Maths Level 2, English Literature, US History, World History and Languages.

FAQs

How is the SAT Scored?

Each section of SAT (critical reading, mathematics and writing) will be scored on a 200- to 800-point scale, for a possible total of 2400. You’ll also get two “subscores” on the writing section: a multiple-choice score from 20 to 80, and an essay score from 2 to 12.

But how do you get these scores? Two steps happen before you see a final score"

First, we figure out your raw score by:

  • Adding points for correct answers.
  • Subtracting a fraction of a point for wrong answers.

One has to remember,Questions that you skipped don’t count either for or against your score, and points aren’t taken away for wrong answers on the math questions where you need to enter the answer into a grid.

Then we take your raw score and turn it into a scaled score. This is where the score of 200–800 points comes from, and it is done through a statistical process called “equating.” This process makes it possible to compare your score with the scores of other students who took alternative versions of the test, and to your own scores on previous tests.

What is the unscored section of the SAT?

Every SAT exam includes an extra 25 minute segment of critical reading, mathematics or writing that is based on multiple choice questions. This section does not count towards your score. The unscored section is typically put up for the development of the SAT exam to assure that the future exams are fair for students from different backgrounds.

What is the cost/registration fee for SAT?

The registration fee for taking SAT I is USD 51.

How many times in a year is SAT exam held?


Both SAT II and SAT I are offered 6 times a year. They are offered in May, June, October, November, December and January.One cannot take SAT I and SAT II on the same day. And, only 3 SAT IIs can be taken on one day.

How many times can I take SAT?

SAT can be taken any number of times but it is strictly advised not to as it may affect an applicant’s candidature.

What is the validity of the SAT exam?

Your SAT score will be valid for 5 years from the date of test taken.

What is the scoring pattern?

SAT I: Scoring is between 600 (Minimum) and 2400 (Maximum) with 10-point increment. Three scores are reported on the SAT I :

• Critical Reading score is reported on a 200-800 score scale, in 10-point increments.
 Mathematics score is reported on a 200-800 score scale, in 10-point increments.
 Writing score is reported on a 0-6 score scale, in half-point increments.

SAT II: Each SAT II is scored between 200 (Minimum) and 800 (Maximum) with 10-point increment.

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