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Questions About the Test
- What is the SAT?
- What concepts are covered on the test?
- What is the format of the test?
- How long is 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?
- Does the SAT have an Essay?
- 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. The ACT
What concepts are covered on the test?
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Reading & Writing
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Passages or pairs of passages (Craft and Structure, Information and Ideas, Standard English Conventions, and Expression of Ideas) |
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Math
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Algebra I and II, geometry, and some trigonometry |
What is the format of the test?
The digital SAT is a 2-hour and 14-minute, section-adaptive test consisting of two main sections: Reading and Writing (64 minutes, 54 questions) and Math (70 minutes, 44 questions).
The four modules are given in a fixed order: Reading and Writing (RW) Module 1, RW Module 2, a 10-minute break, Math Module 1, and Math Module 2.
The test is multistage adaptive; performance on Module 1 determines the difficulty of Module 2. Each module is strictly timed and cannot be revisited once submitted.
- RW Module 1 (32 min, 27 questions): Mixed difficulty.
- RW Module 2 (32 min, 27 questions): Easier or harder based on Mod 1.
- Break (10 min)
- Math Module 1 (35 min, 22 questions): Mixed difficulty.
- Math Module 2 (35 min, 22 questions): Easier or harder based on Mod 1.
How long is the test?
The digital SAT is a 2-hour and 14-minutes.
- RW Module 1 (32 min, 27 questions): Mixed difficulty.
- RW Module 2 (32 min, 27 questions): Easier or harder based on Mod 1.
- Break (10 min)
- Math Module 1 (35 min, 22 questions): Mixed difficulty.
- Math Module 2 (35 min, 22 questions): Easier or harder based on Mod 1.
The amount of approved extended time varies from student to student. Extended time options include time and a half, double time, and, in rare circumstances, more time (e.g. 150 percent additional time).
Registration Questions
When is the SAT given?
The SAT dates and registration dates can be found on this website. It is usually administered in March, May, June, August, 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 $68. 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 $30 to $38.
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?
While the digital SAT Suite employs a different scoring methodology from paper testing, what the suite measures hasn’t changed. The digital tests continue to measure the reading, writing, and math knowledge and skills that students are learning in high school and that matter most for college and career readiness. The digital SAT is still scored on a 400–1600 scale, and educators and students can continue to use digital SAT Suite scores to monitor growth over time.
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.
Does the SAT have an Essay?
The Essay section is only available in certain states where it’s required as part of SAT School Day administrations. If you’re going to be taking the SAT during school, ask your counselor if it will include the Essay section. If it’s included, the Essay section will come after the Reading and Writing and Math sections and will add an additional 50 minutes.
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 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
- 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.