WHAT IS THE SAT?
The full form of the SAT is the Scholastic Assessment Test, previously known as the Scholastic Aptitude Test. The SAT is an entrance exam used by most colleges and universities to make admissions decisions. It is a multiple-choice, computer-based test created and administered by the College Board.
Table of Contents:
THE PURPOSE OF SAT EXAM
The exam tests students on their verbal, reading, comprehension, analytical, and mathematical skills. The purpose of the SAT is to measure a high school student’s readiness for college and provide colleges with one common data point that can be used to compare all applicants.
College admissions officers will review standardized test scores alongside your high school GPA, the classes you took in high school, letters of recommendation from teachers or mentors, extracurricular activities, admissions interviews, and personal essays. The importance of SAT scores in the college application process varies from school to school.
Overall, the higher your score, the more options for attending college will be available to you.
THE STRUCTURE OF THE SAT EXAM
The digital SAT comprises two sections: Reading and Writing, and Math. Students have 64 minutes to complete the Reading and Writing section and 70 minutes to complete the Math section for 2 hours and 14 minutes.
Reading and Writing has two modules: 1st Module (32-minute) + 10-minute break + 2nd Module (32-minute).
Math also has two modules: 1st Module (35-minute) + 10-minute break + 2nd Module (35-minute).
Each section is divided into 2 equal-length modules, and there is a 10-minute break between the Reading and Writing section and the Math section. The first module of each section contains a broad mix of easy, medium, and hard questions. Based on how students perform in the first module, the second module of questions will either be more difficult or less difficult.
The Reading and Writing Section
The Reading and Writing section presents short reading passages (or passage pairs) followed by a single multiple-choice question. Questions in the Reading and Writing section represent one of four content domains:
Types of English
There are four categories of English questions.
Craft and Structure
Measures the comprehension, vocabulary, analysis, synthesis, reasoning skills, and knowledge needed to understand using high-utility words and phrases in context, rhetorically evaluate texts, and make connections among topically related texts.
Information and Ideas
Measures comprehension, analysis, reasoning skills, and knowledge; including the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, and integrate information as well as ideas from texts and informational graphics (tables, bar graphs, and line graphs).
Standard English Conventions
Measures the ability to edit text to conform to core conventions of Standard English sentence structure, usage, and punctuation.
Expression of Ideas
Measures the ability to revise texts to improve the effectiveness of written expression and to meet specific rhetorical goals.
The test is divided into two modules, each includes questions from all four different domains. The passages in the Reading and Writing section range from 25 to 150 words. Passages represent the subject areas of literature, history/social studies, the humanities, and science.
The Math Section
Like the Reading and Writing section, the Math section is divided into 2 modules. Throughout the Math section, you’ll answer multiple-choice questions or type responses of questions that measure your fluency, understanding, and ability to apply math concepts, skills, and practices.
Approximately 30% of Math questions are in context. These in-context (“word”) questions require you to consider science, social studies, or real-world scenarios and apply your math skills and knowledge, along with an understanding of the context, to determine the answers.
Types of Math
There are four categories of math questions.
Algebra
Includes the following types of 13-15 questions:
- 1 variable in Linear equations
- 2 variables in Linear equations
- Linear functions
- Systems of 2 linear equations in 2 variables
- Linear inequalities in 1 or 2 variables
Advanced Math
Demonstrates an understanding of absolute value, quadratic, exponential, polynomial, rational, radical, and other nonlinear equations. Advanced Math includes the following types of 13-15 questions:
- Equivalent expressions
- Nonlinear equations in 1 variable
- Systems of equations in 2 variables
- Nonlinear functions
Problem-Solving and Data Analysis
Includes quantitative reasoning about ratios, rates, and proportional relationships; understands and applies unit rate; and analyzes and interprets one and two-variable data. Problem-solving and Data Analysis includes the following types of 5-7 questions:
- Ratios, rates, proportional relationships, and units
- Percentages
- One-variable data: distributions and measures of center and spread
- Two-variable data: models and scatterplots
- Probability and conditional probability
- Inference from sample statistics and margin of error
- Evaluating statistical claims: observational studies and experiments
Geometry and Trigonometry
Includes the following types of 5-7 questions:
- Area and volume formulas
- Lines, angles, and triangles
- Right triangles and trigonometry
- Circles
Most Common Asked Questions: FAQs Answered
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SPR questions may have more than one correct response, although you’ll supply only one answer.” } }, { “@type”: “Question”, “name”: “Where can I take the SATs exam?”, “acceptedAnswer”: { “@type”: “Answer”, “text”: “You can take the exam from anywhere as long as you have a device. If you don’t have you can borrow from others or College Board.” } }, { “@type”: “Question”, “name”: “How to prepare the essays for SAT exam?”, “acceptedAnswer”: { “@type”: “Answer”, “text”: “From 2024, the essay is gone. Ever since the exam has gone online, you do not need to submit an essay anymore, so you do not need to write an essay but some colleges may ask you to submit writing essay to get admission on their college. It is based on college, not SAT exam.” } } }] }Is SAT digital or offline?
In 2024, the college board has decided to make it digital. How to take a digital test, let’s learn.
Should I take the SAT or the ACT?
Compared to the ACT, the SAT provides 68% more time per question: Most colleges and universities will accept scores from either the SAT or ACT and do not favor one test over the other. The best way to decide is to take a timed full-length practice test of each type. Since the content and style of the SAT and ACT are very similar, factors like how you handle time pressure and what types of questions you find most challenging can help you determine which test is a better fit.
What is the SAT Exam pattern?
| Component | Time Allotted (minutes) | Number of Questions/Tasks |
|---|---|---|
| Reading and Writing | 1st Module: 32-minute modules 10-minute break 2nd Module: 32-minute modules Reading & Writing: 64-minute | 54 |
| Math | 1st Module: 35-minute modules 10-minute break 2nd Module: 35-minute modules Math: 70-minute | 44 |
| Total Exam Time | 134 (2 hours 14 minutes) | 98 |
Are the 1st Module and 2nd Module the same in SAT?
No, the first module has a mix of easy-to-difficult questions, but the second module is entirely difficult.
Are all questions scored equally in SAT?
No, it is totally based on their level. The easy questions score less compared to the difficult questions.
How does the SAT question series go?
The question series will go from easiest to hardest in each module and score will be given more based on difficulty, so spare extra time for further / last questions.
Does the SAT exam contain all multiple-type questions?
Most of the questions are multiple-choice (MCQs), though some of the math questions ask you to enter the answer rather than selecting it.
Can I give SAT on a mobile?
First, you download and run Bluebook on a Windows laptop or tablet, a Mac laptop, an iPad, or a school-managed Chromebook. You can’t run it on a mobile phone.
Is there a negative marking in SAT on incorrect questions-attempt?
On all questions, there’s no penalty for guessing: if you’re not sure of the answer, it’s better to guess than leaving the response blank.
What is included in Reading and Writing Passages?
The passages in the Reading and Writing section range from 25 to 150 words. Passages represent the subject areas of literature, history/social studies, the humanities, and science.
What is In-context (Word) in Math (SATs)?
It is a real-world scenario, based on a science or social studies context that applies your math skills, knowledge, and understanding to determine the answers.
Am I allowed to use a calculator or a formula sheet in SAT exams?
Yes, you are. Your online exam will be conducted in Bluebook, in which you will get features to use digital formula sheets and a calculator.
What is a Student-Produced Response (SPR) in SAT Math?
As the name implies, answering the SPR Math questions means you’ll generate your own response and enter it into a response field positioned near the question. SPR questions may have more than one correct response, although you’ll supply only one answer.
Where can I take the SATs exam?
You can take the exam from anywhere as long as you have a device. If you don’t have you can borrow from others or College Board.
How to prepare the essays for SAT exam?
From 2024, the essay is gone. Ever since the exam has gone online, you do not need to submit an essay anymore, so you do not need to write an essay but some colleges may ask you to submit writing essay to get admission on their college. It is based on college, not SAT exam.
How to Score in SAT
The total score of the SAT is 1600 points, an equal combination of 800 points for Reading and Writing and another 800 points for Math. A score of 1060 is the national average score for the SAT which is decent enough. However, a score above 1200 is a good score and in the range of 1350 and 1400 is a competitive score. If you are planning for top universities then try to score more than 1450.
For college admission, only scores don’t count, your schooling and other curriculum activities matter too.
What is the Scoring System in the SAT?
There is no fix measurement on SAT questions scoring but based on all the SAT practice sets and the real SAT exam question-answer pattern, we come to this conclusion and it might be helpful for you. The marks per questions are based on:
- their difficulty,
- positioning in question,
- topic or sub-topic,
- the day exam will be,
- and balancing Modules.
But don’t worry the score on each questions are pre-determined. That means, no body will decide your score later. But the issue raises that sometimes a same question that comes in June and December will contain different score.
Same Day – Same Exam – Different Module Test
This is the most important thing in the SAT, your SAT score and module 2nd difficulty depends on your performance in Module 1st. Let’s take two scenarios.
You performed well in Module 1st: 16-22 questions are correct. How your module 2nd and SAT score will be like.
- After Module 1st > You will get a difficult or mid-difficult Module 2nd
- Remember: The harder the question, the more marks it contains.
- Based on your Module 1st + Difficult Module 2nd = You will score well in SAT.
- For example: You, student X, corrected 20 questions in Module 1st then 15 questions in Module 2nd. You will get better score than the student Y (Look below example).
You performed poorly in Module 1st: 6-13 questions are correct, so your module 2nd and SAT score will be like.
- After Module 1st > You will get a easy or medium Module 2nd
- Remember: The easier the question, the less marks it contains.
- Based on your Module 1st + Mid-easy Module 2nd = You will score poorly in SAT.
- For example: You, student Y, corrected 10 questions in Module 1st then 22 questions in Module 2nd. You will get less score than the student X (Look above example).
How Many Marks a Question Contain in SAT Tests?
It is not that simple to answer but we have analyzed all the SAT papers and answer sheets so far and come to this conclusion. There are usually three levels in SAT.
Difficulty Levels in SAT
- Level 1: Easy
- Level 2: Medium
- Level 3: Hard
Important: The table below only shows what sub-topics most likely come in SAT so far. If you do not find any sub-topic below, that means, it comes rarely, not often.
Reading & Writing Module 1st
| Topic (27) | Number of Questions (Subtopics) | Usual Position of Questions | Difficulty Trend | Per Question Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Information & Ideas (6-9) | Main idea or purpose (3-4) | early-mid | Level 1-2 | 10-18 |
| Inference (2-3) | mid | Level 2 | 16-24 | |
| Evidence support (1-2) | mid | Level 2 | 16-24 | |
| – | – | – | – | – |
| Craft & Structure (4-7) | Words in context (2-3) | early | Level 1-2 | 10-18 |
| Text structure (1-2) | mid | Level 2 | 16-24 | |
| Tone and rhetoric (1-2) | late | Level 2-3 | 20-28 | |
| – | – | – | – | – |
| Expression of Ideas (5-7) | Sentence improvement (3-4) | early-mid | Level 1-2 | 12-18 |
| Organization and transitions (2-3) | mid-late | Level 2 | 16-24 | |
| – | – | – | – | – |
| Standard English Conventions (6-9) | Verbs and agreement (3-4) | early | Level 1-2 | 12-18 |
| Punctuation (2-3) | early-mid | Level 1-2 | 10-18 | |
| Parallelism / modifiers (1-2) | mid-late | Level 2 | 16-24 | |
| – | – | – | – | – |
Reading & Writing Module 2nd
| Topic (27) | Number of Questions (Subtopics) | Usual Position of Questions | Difficulty Trend | Per Question Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Information & Ideas (5-7) | Complex inference (3-4) | mid | Level 2-3 | 20-32 |
| Evidence integration (2-3) | mid-late | Level 3 | 24-36 | |
| – | – | – | – | – |
| Craft & Structure (3-5) | Rhetorical strategy (2-3) | late | Level 3 | 24-36 |
| Multiple meaning words (1-2) | late | Level 3 | 24-36 | |
| – | – | – | – | – |
| Expression of Ideas (3-5) | Logical revision of passage (2-3) | mid-late | Level 3 | 24-36 |
| Cohesion and flow (1-2) | mid-late | Level 2-3 | 20-32 | |
| – | – | – | – | – |
| Standard English Conventions (3-5) | Advanced sentence boundaries (2-3) | mid-late | Level 2-3 | 20-32 |
| Complex modifiers / clauses (1-2) | late | Level 3 | 24-36 | |
| – | – | – | – | – |
Math Module 1st
| Topic (22) | Number of Questions (Subtopics) | Usual Position of Questions | Difficulty Trend | Per Question Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Algebra (8-12) | Linear equations 1 variable (3-4) | early | Level 1 | 10-14 |
| Linear equations 2 variable (2-3) | early-mid | Level 1-2 | 12-16 | |
| Linear functions / graphs (2-3) | mid | Level 1-2 | 12-20 | |
| Systems of linear equations (1-2) | mid | Level 2 | 16-24 | |
| – | – | – | – | – |
| Advanced Math (3-5) | Quadratics [factor / solve] (2-3) | mid | Level 2 | 16-24 |
| Rational / radical equations (1-2) | mid-late | Level 2-3 | 20-32 | |
| – | – | – | – | – |
| Problem Solving and Data Analysis (5-8) | Ratio and proportions (2-3) | early-mid | Level 1-2 | 12-20 |
| Percent / growth (1-2) | mid | Level 1-2 | 12-20 | |
| Mean / median, variability (1-2) | mid-late | Level 2 | 16-24 | |
| Two-variable data / scatterplots (1) | late | Level 2 | 20-24 | |
| – | – | – | – | – |
| Geometry and Trigonometry (2-5) | Area / volume (1-2) | mid | Level 1-2 | 10-20 |
| Angles / triangles (1-2) | mid | Level 1-2 | 12-20 | |
| Right-triangle trig (0-1) | late | Level 2-3 | 20-32 | |
| – | – | – | – | – |
Math Module 2nd
| Topic (22) | Number of Questions (Subtopics) | Usual Position of Questions | Difficulty Trend | Per Question Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Algebra (3-5) | Systems [substitution / elimination] (2-3) | early-mid | Level 2-3 | 20-28 |
| Function composition (1-2) | mid-late | Level 3 | 28-40 | |
| – | – | – | – | – |
| Advanced Math (5-8) | Quadratics word problems (2-3) | mid | Level 2-3 | 20-36 |
| Polynomial expressions and roots (2-3) | mid-late | Level 3 | 28-40 | |
| Nonlinear equations [exponential / log] (1-2) | late | Level 3 | 28-40 | |
| – | – | – | – | – |
| Problem Solving and Data Analysis (4-7) | Multi-step percent / ratio (2-3) | mid | Level 2-3 | 20-32 |
| Probability / expected value (1-2) | late | Level 3 | 28-40 | |
| Interpreting statics (1-2) | mid-late | Level 2-3 | 20-32 | |
| – | – | – | – | – |
| Geometry and Trigonometry (2-5) | Circles [arcs, radians] (1-2) | mid-late | Level 2-3 | 20-32 |
| Trig applications (1-2) | late | Level 3 | 28-40 | |
| Complex figures (1) | late | Level 3 | 28-40 | |
| – | – | – | – | – |
SAT Test Prep
There are a few things that you need to keep in mind before taking your exam.
The first module contains easy to difficult questions. At first, you get easy questions then their difficulty will start increasing. You will get 32-35 minutes to finish the first module hence spend more time for later questions.
The second module has only difficult questions but within the same amount of time 32-35 minutes, you will have to finish them up too.
The good thing is that the difficult questions contain more marks than easy ones.
To score Perfect-SAT, you must study all the exam curriculum mentioned above plus take as many SAT Tests as you can before the final exam. We will help you in this regard. We provide all SAT tests with lessons Free of Charge.
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READING AND WRITING MODULE 1ST – SAT TEST
- 1st Test SAT Reading and Writing Module 1st
- 2nd Test SAT Reading and Writing Module 1st
- 3rd Test SAT Reading and Writing Module 1st
- 4th Test SAT Reading and Writing Module 1st
- 5th Test SAT Reading and Writing Module 1st
- 6th Test SAT Reading and Writing Module 1st
- 7th Test SAT Reading and Writing Module 1st
- 8th Test SAT Reading and Writing Module 1st
READING AND WRITING MODULE 2ND – SAT TEST
- 1st Test SAT Reading and Writing Module 2nd
- 2nd Test SAT Reading and Writing Module 2nd
- 3rd Test SAT Reading and Writing Module 2nd
- 4th Test SAT Reading and Writing Module 2nd
- 5th Test SAT Reading and Writing Module 2nd
- 6th Test SAT Reading and Writing Module 2nd
- 7th Test SAT Reading and Writing Module 2nd
- 8th Test SAT Reading and Writing Module 2nd
MATH MODULE 1ST – SAT TEST
- 1st Test SAT Math Module 1st
- 2nd Test SAT Math Module 1st
- 3rd Test SAT Math Module 1st
- 4th Test SAT Math Module 1st
- 5th Test SAT Math Module 1st
- 6th Test SAT Math Module 1st
- 7th Test SAT Math Module 1st
- 8th Test SAT Math Module 1st
MATH MODULE 2ND – SAT TEST
- 1st Test SAT Math Module 2nd
- 2nd Test SAT Math Module 2nd
- 3rd Test SAT Math Module 2nd
- 4th Test SAT Math Module 2nd
- 5th Test SAT Math Module 2nd
- 6th Test SAT Math Module 2nd
- 7th Test SAT Math Module 2nd
- 8th Test SAT Math Module 2nd
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