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Questions About the Test
Registration Questions
- When is the SAT given?
- How do I register for the SAT?
- How much does it cost to register for the SAT?
- How can I get extended time on the SAT?
Score Questions
- How is the SAT scored?
- How is the SAT essay scored?
- What is the average SAT score?
- When will I get my scores back?
Test Day Questions
Questions About the Test
What is the SAT?
The SAT is the nation’s most widely used college admissions test and is accepted by virtually all American colleges and universities.
What is the format of the test?
The test is divided into four sections: Reading, Writing and Language, Math (no calculator), and Math (with calculator). The sections have 52 questions, 44 questions, 20 questions, and 38 questions, respectively.
Students may also choose to take the optional essay portion of the test, which follows the four main sections and consists of writing an essay about how an author uses rhetorical techniques to form an argument.
How long is the test?
The timing and number of questions for the sections in the standard SAT are shown in the table below.
| Section | Number of Questions | Standard Time |
|---|---|---|
| Reading | 52 | 65 minutes |
| Writing & Language | 44 | 35 minutes |
| Math - no calculator | 20 | 25 minutes |
| Math - calculator | 38 | 55 minutes |
| Essay (optional) | 1 | 50 minutes |
| Total Time without essay | 3 hours | |
| Total Time with essay | 3 hours, 50 minutes |
The amount of approved extended time varies from student to student. Extended time options include time and a half (4 hours, 30 minutes without the essay; 5 hours, 45 minutes with the essay), double time (6 hours without the essay; 7 hours, 40 minutes with the essay), and, in rare circumstances, more time (e.g. 150 percent additional time, or 7 hours, 30 minutes without the essay and 9 hours, 35 minutes with the essay).
Registration Questions
When is the SAT given?
The SAT dates and registration dates can be found on this website. It is usually administered in January, March, May, June, October, November, and December.
How do I register for the SAT?
There are three ways you can register for the SAT:
- Register online (recommended). Visit the College Board website and click Register Now. Follow all the described steps. The process is very simple and clear.
- Register by mail. Go see your school guidance counselor or principal and obtain a copy of the application that you can fill out and send in. Fill it out as instructed and mail the application and check to the posted address. (Never send paper money in the mail.)
- Register by calling the College Board phone number: 866-756-7346. Phone registration is only available if you have registered previously, and it includes an additional processing fee of $15. Credit card payment is required.
How much does it cost to register for the SAT?
Registration for the SAT costs $46 without the essay portion and $60 with the essay portion. If you miss the registration date for the test, you can still register before the Late Registration deadline, but you will be charged an additional late fee of $29.
How can I get extended time on the SAT?
Obtaining extended time for the SAT is a multi-step process. If you want extended time, you should begin by talking to your school counselor. Additional information can be found on the College Board SAT Accommodations page.
Score Questions
How is the SAT scored?
There are four sections on the test: Reading, Writing and Language, Math (no calculator), and Math (with calculator). The Reading and Writing and Language sections will be scored together as one Evidence-Based Reading and Writing Section score. The Math (no calculator) and Math (with calculator) sections will be scored together as a Math Section score.
The Evidence-Based Reading and Writing Section score and Math Section score are each given a score from 200 to 800.These section scores will be combined to give the composite score, which ranges from 400 to 1600. These are known as scaled scores.
The scaled scores are based on the raw scores for each section. The raw score for a section is calculated by counting the number of correct answers. Unlike the old format of the SAT, incorrect answers are no longer penalized with a quarter point deduction. Correct answers are counted toward your score, but incorrect answers are not counted against your score. Your raw score will then be compared to those of other test takers to obtain the scaled score.
If you choose to do the essay portion of the test, note that the essay receives a score separate from the rest of the test.
How is the SAT essay scored?
- The essay is graded by two separate essay graders using this Scoring Guide.
- Each of the two graders gives the essay 1 to 4 points for each dimensions: reading, analysis, and writing.
- The two scores for each dimension are added.
- You’ll receive three scores for the SAT Essay—one for each dimension—ranging from 2–8 points.
- There is no composite SAT Essay score (the three scores are not combined to find an average or overall grade) and there are no percentiles.
What is the average SAT score?
Up-to-date information on this year’s average SAT scores can be found here.
When will I get my scores back?
Generally, scores are available online 2 to 3 weeks after the day of the test. You should also receive scores in the mail in about 4 to 6 weeks.
Test Day Questions
What should I bring to the test?
There are several things you MUST bring with you to the test:
- Your admission ticket
- Acceptable photo identification (more information here)
- Two No. 2 pencils and a soft eraser (pens and mechanical pencils are not permitted)
- An acceptable calculator (information about acceptable calculators is available here)
- Epinephrine auto-injectors (e.g., EpiPens) are permitted without the need for accommodations. They must be placed in a clear bag and stored under the student’s desk during testing. For policies on other medications and medical devices, contact Services for Students with Disabilities.
In addition to these required items, you should also bring:
- A watch without an audible alarm (or one that is set to silent)
- A snack and a bottle of water (for breaks ONLY)
- Extra batteries for your calculator and, if possible, a backup calculator
- A bag or backpack to carry all of these things in
What should I NOT bring to the test?
The following items are not allowed, and should be left in the car or at home:
- Any devices, including digital watches, that can be used to record, transmit, receive, or play back audio, photographic, text, or video content (with the exception of CD players used for Language with Listening Subject Tests only)
- Audio players/recorders, tablets, laptops, notebooks, Google Glass, or any other personal computing devices
- iPods or other MP3 players
- iPads or other tablet devices
- Laptops, notebooks, PDAs or any other personal computing devices
- Any texting device
- Cameras or any other photographic equipment
- Separate timers of any type
- Protractors, compasses, rulers
- Highlighters, colored pens, colored pencils
- Pamphlets or papers of any kind
- Dictionaries or other books—there are no exceptions, even if English is not your first language
- Food or drinks (except for during breaks), unless approved by the College Board’s Services for Students with Disabilities. Learn more about testing with accommodations.