Things you should know before taking SAT

(Scholastic Aptitude Test)

WHAT IS SAT?
The SAT is a standardized test widely used for college admissions in the United States. It was first introduced
in 1926, and its name and scoring have changed several times, being originally called the Scholastic Aptitude Test, then
the Scholastic Assessment Test, then the SAT I: Reasoning Test, then the SAT Reasoning Test, and now simply the SAT.

SAT-I : Reasoning Test

The SAT-I is a three hour, primarily multiple-choice test that measures verbal and mathematical reasoning abilities that
develop over time. Most colleges require SAT-I scores for admission.

SAT-II : Subject Tests

The SAT-II subject tests are one hour, primarily multiple-choice tests that measure your knowledge of particular subjects
and your ability to apply that knowledge. Many universities may require you to take this along with SAT-I.

WHO ADMINISTERS SAT?

The SAT is developed and administered by the US-based "College Entrance Examination Board". This implies that College
board sets the questions, conducts the test, and sends each examinee the score report.

SAT STRUCTURE
The SAT Reasoning Test is a long examination (three hours and forty-five minutes) and has three main divisions:

 Math
 Reading
 Writing

There are 10 sections in all three for each division, and one equating section. The equating section is used to assess
questions for use in future tests. (It can be in any of the three areas and does not count toward the score).

Apart from a short essay and ten out of the 54 math questions, the questions are all five-answer multiple-choice. Each
of the divisions has a maximum score of 800, giving a maximum overall score of 2400.

Math

The Math skills required for the SAT are of a basic standard that should be within the reach of a tenth grade
student. You don't need to learn up lots of new formulae but you will need to sharpen up your thinking skills.

Questions are of two main types:

 Problem solving - multiple choice (5 answer choices)

 Student-produced response questions ('grid-ins')
The three Math sections are organized as follows:

 One section of 25 minutes containing 8 problem solving questions and 10 grid-ins

 One section of 25 minutes containing 20 problem solving questions
 One section of 20 minutes containing 16 problem solving questions

You will see that there are a total of 54 scored math questions on one test. [Remember that each actual SAT test
contains one experimental section of 25 minutes; this section could be math, writing or critical reading.
Experimental sections will not be scored... they are used for research purposes.]

Math questions on the SAT will be of different difficulty levels. Each section will start out easy, move to medium
level and end with hard questions.

In any of the question types you may be tested on basic arithmetic, algebra, geometry and a few miscellaneous
topics (mainly data interpretation and applied math).

Calculator use

Four-function, scientific, graphing and Computer Algebra System (CAS) calculators are permitted on the SAT
math section; however, calculators are not permitted on either of the other sections. Calculators with QWERTY
keyboards, cell phone calculators, portable computers, and personal organizers are not permitted.

With the recent changes to the content of the SAT math section, the need to save time while maintaining
accuracy of calculations has led some to use calculator programs during the test. These programs allow students
to complete problems faster than would normally be possible when making calculations manually.

Reading

The critical reading sections on SAT are designed to test your ability to read and understand written English of
the level you need to make the most of a university course. There are two types of questions:

 Sentence Completion
 Reading Comprehension

These questions require a level of vocabulary that should not be a problem if you have been in the habit of
reading good books throughout your high school career. However, if you are not a good reader, or if English is
your second language, you will have to work hard to raise your vocabulary to the required level. You can start
with learning our Wordlists that have been divided into ten units so that you can spread this learning over ten
weeks. If you have more time available it would be a good idea to read some classic books.

Writing

The SAT tests your writing skills in two ways:

 SAT Essay - one essay to be written in 25 minutes

 SAT Grammar questions - two sections, one of 25 minutes and one of 10 minutes

The grammar questions are of three types:

 Identification of sentence errors

 Sentence correction
 Editing in context
 FORMAT

NEW SAT
The SAT is changing in March 2016, and there are numerous questions surrounding the change – most notably what to
expect, and how will these changes affect my child?

What’s New?

Key Changes: Focus of test will move from reasoning-based to content-based, and have two main sections (Math &
Evidence-Based Reading and Writing). Major changes to content include an increased focus on higher level math,
inclusion of a no-calculator math section, focus on evidence-based reading, all passage-based writing questions, and an
optional essay section.

Scoring: The two sections will be scored on a scale from 200-800, with a composite score calculated by adding the
sections together. There will be additional subscores and insight scores available, and the optional essay will not count
towards the overall score.
SAT SCORING
Scoring for the Math and Evidence-Based Reading & Writing Sections

 Students earn 1 point for each correct answer

 Students neither earn nor lose points for questions skipped or answered incorrectly
 Scores for each section range between 200 and 800. Total scores range between 400 and 1600

There is no deduction for incorrect answers, which means students should answer every single question. For most
sections of the SAT, questions get more difficult as you work through each type of question in a section (except for
Evidence-Based Reading questions). This means that the first few questions will usually be easy for most students, and
the last ones will usually be extremely difficult for all but the most advanced students. The SAT is designed to challenge
students at every level, so the average student is going to face a lot of tough questions in a very short period of time.

Scoring for the Essay

The SAT essay requires students to use a passage as the basis for a well-written and well-thought out argument.

 Two readers read and score each student’s essay. Essays are scored based on three categories: Reading,
Analysis, and Writing.
 Each reader gives the essay a score ranging between a 1 and 4 points in each category, for a total possible score
of 8 points.

That said, on a total score of 2400 (800 critical reading, 800 math, 800 writing)

 a score of 1650-1800 is adequate for many colleges

 a score of 1800-2100 is good
 a score above 2100 should ensure that you have no problems for admission (if all else is in order!)

SAT REGISTRATION
Students have two registration options: online registration and postal mail registration. To register online, go to the
College Board website. To register by mail, get an SAT Paper Registration Guide from the college guidance office at
school.

When registering online, registration fees must be paid via credit card. If check is preferred, register by postal mail.

Regular registration deadlines are typically about three to four weeks before a test date. Late registration deadlines are
typically about two to three weeks before a test date.

The basic SAT registration fee is $43, while the SAT with Essay is $54.50. The late registration fee is an additional $28.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTRATION
The SAT is offered internationally in most countries at least six times each year — in October, November, December,
January, May, and June.

What You Should Know About International Deadlines

 International registration deadlines apply to anyone testing outside of the United States and U.S. territories
 Deadlines expire at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time, U.S.
  There is no late registration for international testing. Online and telephone registrations must be completed by
the international deadlines .
 Mailed registration forms must be received by the international deadlines.
 If you register through an international representative, you need to submit your paper registration with
payment by the early registration deadline.

STRATEGIES IN TAKING SAT per Section

CRITICAL READING Section --- SENTENCE COMPLETION:

- Before looking at the answers, try to complete the sentence with words that make sense to you.
- Don't rush your selection. Consider all the answers to make the best choice.
- Use the context of nearby words to figure out unknown words.
- Don't overlook the reversing effect of negative words (like not) or prefixes (like un-).
- If you're really stuck for the meaning of a word, try to think of other words that have similar prefixes, roots, or
suffixes.
- Eliminate choices in double-blank questions if the first word alone doesn't make sense in the sentence.
- Let transition words (like although and likewise) help suggest the best answer.

CRITICAL READING Section --- READING COMPREHENSION (Short and Long):

- You should base your answers to the questions solely on what is stated or implied in the passages.
- Read the italicized introductory text.
- Skip questions you don't know. Return to them after answering other easier questions.
- First and last sentences of each paragraph are critical.
- Find the right spot in a passage by using any line reference numbers that appear in the questions.
- Answer questions on familiar topics before unfamiliar topics.
- Read the passages before reading the questions.
- Don't waste time memorizing details.
- Passage content comes from the Humanities, Social Science, Science, and Literal Fiction.
- Some passages are presented in pairs. Read the brief introduction first to see how they relate.
- Spend more time on answering the questions than on reading the text.

WRITING Section --- WRITTEN ESSAY:

- Write a short (about 250-300 words), persuasive essay on an assigned topic.

- Keep in mind the structure of an essay - 5 paragraphs consisting of an: Introduction, Body (about 3 paragraphs),
Conclusion
- The alloted time frame is 25 minutes. Read the essay question quickly and think about the topic (about 5
minutes). Allow most of your time (about 15 minutes) to write the essay. Spend the remaining 5 minutes
reviewing and editing your work.
- Introductory Paragraph should state the position that is being taken. It should also state about 3 points that
support this position.
- The Body Paragraphs should expand the points that you present with specific detail and examples.
- The Concluding Paragraph should summarize your point of view by restating the thesis statement in a revised
format.
- Keep your writting simple.
 - Avoid wordiness.
- Avoid slang.

WRITING SECTION -- MULTIPLE CHOICE: Usage, Sentence Correction, and Paragraph Correction

- Think about the question before you answer it.

- Move around within a Section.
- Usage & Sentence Correction questions are based on individual sentences. They test basic grammar, sentence
structure, and word choice.
- Paragraph Correction questions are based on 2 brief passages, with several questions per passage.
- Read the questions carefully.

MATH Section --- STUDENT PRODUCED RESPONSE (GRID):

- Guess if you can't figure it out. There is no penalty for wrong answers in this section.
- Negative numbers are not possible as answers in this section. If your answer comes up negative, do it again.
- You may begin to enter a short answer in any column. For instance, .6 can be entered in columns 1-2, or 2-3, or
3-4.
- If an answer is a repeating decimal (like .33333333), just enter as many decimals as will fit in the grid (.333).
- You may enter an equivalent decimal for a fraction as your answer, but why waste the time evaluating the
fraction?
- Do not try to enter mixed numbers. For example, if your answer is 3 1/2, enter it as 3.5 or 7/2.

MATH Section - STANDARD MULTIPLE CHOICE:

- Read the question well. Be sure to select the best answer for the variable, value, or expression that is requested!
- Learn in advance all of the critical definitions, formulas, and concepts that appear in common questions.
- Remember to use the test booklet for scratch work, as well as for marking up any diagrams/graphs.
- Early questions in this section are easier. Spend less time on them.
- Don't get carried away with detailed calculations. Look for a trick or a shortcut if the question seems time
consuming.
- When a question contains a weird symbol, just substitute the accompanying definition when figuring out the
best answer choice.