SAT 101: What Students Need To Know
November 11, 2023 :: Admissionado
Is there anything more anxiety-producing, stomach-churning, or sweaty-hands-inducing than the thought of taking a three-hour test, whose score has the power to make or break your chances of attending your dream college? For those of you who answered, “no, you’re mistaken – that would be clowns,” then please feel free to continue on with your day. For those who answered, “I feel seen,” this post is for you!
The SAT remains a critical part of the application process to U.S. colleges. If you’re just getting started looking into the SAT, it can definitely seem a bit overwhelming. In this article, we will break the test down to its basic components, dig into the strategy behind achieving your best SAT score, and navigate the choppy waters of the 2020 testing landscape.
SAT Test Format
The SAT is a standardized test widely used for college admissions in the United States. It assesses a student’s readiness for college and provides colleges with a common data point to compare all applicants. The SAT covers three subjects: critical reading, writing, and mathematics. The reading section will cover reading passages and comprehension questions, the writing section contains a short essay and multiple-choice questions on grammar and word usage, and the mathematics section contains questions from a variety of math fields. That may seem like a ton of information, but there are certain things you can focus on for each section to use your preparation time wisely.
What the Digital SAT Covers
The digital SAT is designed to gauge students’ readiness for college-level work, maintaining the core content areas of the traditional SAT but delivered in a digital format. Here’s an overview of what you can expect from the digital SAT.
Math
The Math section of the digital SAT includes several key content areas. The “Heart of Algebra” focuses on linear equations, systems of linear equations, and their applications. This area is fundamental as it forms the base for much of the mathematics students will encounter in higher education. The “Problem Solving and Data Analysis” section tests students’ ability to interpret and synthesize information from tables, graphs, and charts, covering topics like ratios, percentages, and proportional reasoning. “Passport to Advanced Math” includes questions on more complex equations and functions, such as quadratic equations, exponential growth, and polynomials. Additionally, there are questions on geometry, trigonometry, and complex numbers under the “Additional Topics in Math.”
Students will encounter two types of questions in the Math section: multiple-choice questions, where they select the correct answer from given options, and grid-in questions, where they calculate and input their own answers.
Reading
The Reading section covers a variety of content areas. Students will read passages from classic and contemporary literature, which require analysis of themes, characters, and narratives. Historical documents, significant to U.S. or global history, are also included, requiring an understanding of context and rhetoric. The social studies passages test understanding of social science concepts and data interpretation, while the science passages require the interpretation of scientific data, understanding hypotheses, and analyzing scientific arguments. Key skills tested in this section include reading comprehension, command of evidence, and understanding words in context.
Writing and Language
In the Writing and Language section, students focus on improving the effectiveness of communication within passages. This includes enhancing the development of ideas and clarity in the “Expression of Ideas” questions. Standard English conventions, such as grammar, usage, and punctuation, are also tested. Skills assessed include revising text for better organization and development, as well as editing to correct grammatical errors and improve sentence structure.
An optional essay component tests students’ ability to analyze a given argument. This section focuses on reading comprehension of the provided passage, evaluating the author’s use of evidence and reasoning, and demonstrating clear and effective writing to convey the analysis. While optional, some colleges may require the essay.
One of the significant changes in the digital SAT is the use of adaptive testing technology. This means the difficulty of the questions adjusts based on the student’s performance, aiming to provide a more accurate assessment of a student’s abilities. The digital SAT has a total duration of approximately three hours, excluding breaks. It includes a Math section, divided into calculator and no-calculator parts, a Reading section, and a Writing and Language section.
SAT Scoring
The SAT is scored on a scale of 400 to 1600, combining the scores from two main sections: Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, and Math. Each section is scored between 200 and 800 points. The total score is the sum of these two section scores. Additionally, within each section, the test is divided into specific parts, such as Reading, Writing and Language, and different math subsections, each contributing to the overall section score. The optional essay is scored separately on a scale of 2 to 8 in three areas: Reading, Analysis, and Writing, but it does not affect the total SAT score. The scoring process involves converting the raw score, which is the number of correct answers, into the scaled score through a process called equating, ensuring consistency and fairness across different test versions.
Other Frequently Asked Questions
How often can I take the SAT?
You can take the SAT as many times as you want. Most students take it two or three times to achieve their best score. If you find that your score isn’t improving after multiple attempts, consider the ACT.
When should I take the SAT?
Most students take the SAT for the first time in the spring of their junior year and, if necessary, retake it in the fall of their senior year. Give yourself some leg room to retake the test so be sure to study early!
How do I register for the SAT?
You can register for the SAT online at the College Board website. It’s recommended to register early to secure your preferred test date and location.
What should I bring on test day?
On test day, bring your admission ticket, a valid photo ID, #2 pencils, an approved calculator, and a snack for breaks. Leave electronic devices and any prohibited items at home.
Can I use a calculator on the SAT?
You can use a calculator on one part of the Math section. However, some questions must be answered without a calculator.
Can I send my SAT scores to colleges?
Yes, you can send your SAT scores to colleges. When you register for the test, you can select up to four colleges to receive your scores for free. Additional score reports can be sent for a fee.
