Nevertheless, high SAT scores will always give you a leg up in the competitive world of college admission, and so the SAT is worth studying for. Here are some essential facts to help you get a high SAT score. You can also read a comparison of the SAT and ACT.
SAT Structure
The SAT Reasoning Test is divided into 10 short, timed sections. The sections are either Critical Reading, Mathematics, and Writing. The total time allotted for Mathematics questions is 70 minutes, for Critical Reading 70 minutes, and for Writing 60 minutes. The total number of questions is in the neighborhood of 150.
The SAT math section has two types of questions: problem solving questions with 5 answer choices, and numerical grid-ins where you have to bubble in a number. The SAT reading test has questions based on passages, and stand alone questions based on sentences. Vocabulary questions are common. The SAT writing section consists of an essay, and several multiple choice questions about grammar, diction, and word usage.
Unlike the ACT where guessing does not hurt your score, the SAT has a "guessing penalty." The way your raw score is computed, you get 1 point for every correct answer, 0 points for every question left blank, and -1/4 of a point for every question answered incorrectly (except numerical grid-ins and the essay) This is to eliminate the advantage gained from random guessing. The best strategy is to guess only when you can eliminate two or more wrong answer choices, and leave it blank if you cannot eliminate at least two.
SAT Scoring
On your SAT score report, you will see your raw score and scaled score. The scaled score for each section ranges from 200 to 800, and the composite score is the sum of the three section scores. It is possible to get an 800 on a section if you miss one question. The total SAT score range is 600 to 2400. For the writing section, the essay counts toward 30% of the section score. But you will also receive a separate essay score on a scale of 2 to 12, with 12 being the highest.
SAT scores are given in 10 point increments. The most recent test taker data indicates that the average scores for Math, Reading, and Writing are about 515, 502, and 494 respectively. You can view the SAT percentile rankings for the most recent tests.
SAT Study Resources
- The Official SAT Study Guide is the No. 1 SAT study guide because it it published by the makers of the SAT, the College Board.
- Cracking the SAT by the Princeton Review is also a popular choice.
- The Official Study Guide for All SAT Subject Tests (Real Sats) is essential if you are applying to elite colleges that require subject test scores
- Barron's SAT 2400: Aiming for the Perfect Score has strategies and tricks for tackling tough SAT questions.
SAT Retake Policies
There is a limit to the number of times you can take the SAT each year, since it is only administered 7 times a year. On average, most people who retake the exam improve their overall score, but the highest score increases are found among those who have mid to low scores the first time. The higher your score, the less the advantage. If you do retake the SAT, keep in mind that all your scores will be visible to colleges. The only exception is if you took the SAT before high school.
SAT Study Strategies
The best way to prepare for the SAT is to take many SAT practice tests under timed conditions. You can get used to the style and format of the questions by doing tons of sample questions. Start studying for the test at least 2 months before you plan to take the exam, and keep in mind college application deadlines.
