The SAT is one of the most important components of the college admissions process for many students. Many colleges require SAT scores (or ACT scores) as part of their application package. Your performance on the SAT can significantly impact your chances of being accepted to your preferred college, and can even influence the financial aid options available to you.
About the SAT
The SAT is an entrance exam widely used by colleges and universities to make admissions decisions. It’s a multiple-choice, computer-based test created and administered by the College Board. The purpose of the SAT is to assess a high school student’s readiness for college and provide colleges with a standardized metric that can be used to compare applicants from different schools and backgrounds.
College admissions officers review SAT scores alongside other components of your application, such as your high school GPA, the courses you’ve taken in high school, letters of recommendation, extracurricular activities, personal essays, and admissions interviews. How much weight is given to SAT scores in the application process can vary from school to school. However, the higher your SAT score, the more options you will have for attending college and securing financial aid.
When Should I Take the SAT?
Most students take the SAT during the spring of their junior year or the fall of their senior year of high school. It’s essential to leave enough time to retake the test if needed, in case you want to improve your score before submitting applications. The SAT is offered multiple times throughout the year, with exam dates in August, October, November, December, March, May, and June.
For a complete list of upcoming SAT test dates, be sure to check the official College Board website.
What’s on the SAT?
The SAT is made up of two main sections:
- Math
- Evidence-Based Reading and Writing
These sections are designed to test the essential skills that are required for success in college-level coursework. They cover a wide range of content, including algebra, reading comprehension, grammar, and writing skills.
How Long is the SAT?
The SAT lasts 2 hours and 14 minutes. This is shorter than some other standardized tests, such as the ACT. For those preparing for both exams, you can get more details about the ACT’s length and structure in our How Long is the ACT Test? blog post.
How is the SAT Scored?
Each section of the SAT is scored on a scale from 200 to 800, which means the highest possible score is 1600. Your total SAT score is the sum of your scores from the Math section and the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section.
- Math: 200–800 points
- Evidence-Based Reading and Writing: 200–800 points
- Total SAT score: 400–1600 points
The average SAT score typically hovers around 1060, with top-tier schools often looking for scores closer to 1400 or higher.
Should I Take the SAT or the ACT?
Most colleges accept scores from either the SAT or the ACT, and many do not show preference for one test over the other. The decision of which test to take often depends on factors such as your test-taking strengths, preferences, and what works best for your schedule.
If you’re unsure whether to take the SAT or the ACT, consider taking full-length, timed practice tests for both. Since the tests cover similar content, you can determine which one aligns better with your strengths and testing style. Want to know more about the ACT? Check out our detailed post on How Long is the ACT Test?.
How Do I Register for the SAT?
Registration for the SAT is simple and can be done online via the College Board website. Registration deadlines typically fall about five weeks before each test date, so make sure to plan ahead. In some special cases, the College Board may require registration by mail.
How Can I Prep for the SAT?
Effective SAT preparation is key to achieving your desired score. There are a wide range of resources available, including study guides, practice exams, online courses, and tutoring services. Whether you’re looking for budget-friendly options or more intensive preparation, there are solutions for every student. We offer comprehensive SAT prep solutions tailored to various learning styles and budgets.
