The SAT is a nationally administered, standardized paper-and-pencil test that helps colleges and universities evaluate candidates.
Generally, your son or daughter will take the SAT for the first time in the spring of their Sophomore or junior year. This allows enough time to re-take the test during the summer of Junior year or fall of their senior year if there is dissatisfaction with the initial score.
The SAT is a 3-hour and 50-minute exam, consisting of five sections: Reading, Writing, Math (with calculator), Math (without calculator) and Essay (50 minutes, optional).
SAT Test Section | # of Questions and Types | Content | Timing |
---|---|---|---|
Evidence-based Reading & Writing |
Reading52 standard multiple-choice Writing44 standard multiple-choice |
|
100 minutes ReadingOne 65-minute section WritingOne 35-minute section |
Mathematics |
45 standard multiple-choice13 student-produced response |
|
80 minutesOne 25-minute section (no calculator)One 55-minute section (calculator allowed) |
Essay (optional) |
1 evidence-based essay |
|
50 minutes One 50-minute essay |
The College Board will no longer deduct points for an incorrect answer. This means that a student should not leave any questions blank on the test. Even if there is indecision regarding the correct answer to a test question, we encourage students to use their best judgement in making a selection. There is always a chance that the answer could be accurate and there is no penalty if it is wrong. With the longer sections, pacing and timing are critical. Ramana Coaching Center tutors will help students master this area.
The SAT scoring model provides a detailed analysis and breakdown of students' scores. Area scores, each tallied out of 800, are combined to create a composite score for a maximum possible total of 1600. For a more detailed breakdown of what each score means, please see the table below.
Score Type | Score Range | Details |
---|---|---|
Total Score
|
400-1600 |
|
Section Scores
|
200-800 |
|
Test Scores
|
10-40 |
|
Essay (optional)
|
6-24 |
|
Cross-Test Scores
|
10-40 |
|
Subscores
|
1-15 |
|
400-600
Sum of the two section scores
200-800
The Evidence-based reading and writing score is the sum of the Reading test score and Writing & Language test score.
Test Scores
10-40
These scores indicate performance on individual test sections
Essay (optional)
6-24
Cross-Test Scores
10-40
Subscores
1-15