Overview of SAT testing
The SAT is a standard college entrance exam that measures skills in math, reading, and writing. The Evidence-Based Reading and Writing sections are 65 minutes of Reading with 52 questions, 35 minutes of Writing and Language with 44 questions. The Math section consists of a 25 minute no calculator section of 20 questions, and a 55 minute calculator section with 38 questions. The total test time is 3 hours and 45 minutes.
The SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing sections present you with reading comprehension questions about full-length and paragraph-length passages.
The new SAT Math Test will test certain topics in math as well as your ability to use reasoning and critical thinking to solve real-world problems. Topics include Heart of Algebra, Problem Solving and Data Analysis, Passport to Advanced Math, and Additional Topics in Math.
SAT scores
Each section is scored on a scale of 200 to 800. The Optional Essay is graded on a scale of 6 to 24. Overall SAT scores can range from 400 to 1600.
The quickest and most efficient way to increase your SAT scores is SAT prep. Through SAT test prep, you’ll learn strategies to increase your score, and you will also be able to identify weaknesses and target them for improvement. You can find good SAT prep here at Peterson’s, with our free online SAT practice test.
SAT help: Test locations
Check with your guidance counselor or contact the College Board to find out where you can take the test.
SAT help: Test dates
Test dates and deadlines for this year can be found on the official SAT website.
