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About the SAT I Reasoning Test

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What is the SAT I?

The SAT I is a standardized examination designed to measure students’ abilities in three areas: reading, writing, and mathematical reasoning. Many American colleges and universities, including the most prestigious, consider SAT scores an important factor in judging the quality of applicants.

Why do American schools care about the SAT? They care because it provides a level playing field for applicants to demonstrate their abilities. Since grading standards undoubtedly vary from one school to another, there is no way to know whether one student with a 4.0 GPA is truly as talented as another student with the same GPA. Thus, many schools rely on the SAT as a fair metric by which to judge a student’s abilities against another's. And this is no minor detail. As a result of the intensely competitive nature of the application process for the best schools, an impressive SAT score is all the more desirable, because a superior test score could potentially provide an applicant with that extra edge needed to prove successful.

Unfortunately or not, any student seriously considering any of the most prestigious universities in the United States must recognize the SAT as an important element of the application process. True, a less-than-outstanding SAT score will not necessarily nullify an applicant’s chances of acceptance, since other factors including GPA, extracurricular activities, and application essays are also considered. However, an outstanding score certainly helps.

For each of the three areas (reading, writing, and mathematical reasoning) tested by the SAT, a score (ranging from 200 to 800) is determined, giving a maximum possible total score of 2400. The median score for each of the three areas is always 500, and thus the median total score on the SAT is always 1500.

In March 2005, the format of the SAT changed significantly. The analogies section, often thought of as the most difficult part of the test, has been removed. A new writing section has been added, consisting of an essay-writing component and multiple-choice grammar questions. The math section no longer contains quantitative comparison questions, yet now tests material that was not previously covered by the SAT.

The good news is that the changes made to the SAT in March 2005 have made significant improvement a more achievable goal. Armed with serious diligence and commitment, you have a greater chance than ever before to do well on the SAT. And we at Ivy Global are prepared to equip you with the skills and strategies needed to maximize your results. Ivy Global offers both SAT preparation classes and SAT tutoring.

 

What is the format of the SAT?

The SAT is 3 hours and 45 minutes long. It is composed of 10 sections:

One 25-minute essay-writing section
Five 25-minute multiple-choice sections
-- two mathematical reasoning
-- two critical reading
-- one writing skills
Two 20-minute multiple-choice sections
-- one mathematical reasoning
-- one critical reading
One 10-minute multiple-choice writing skills section
One 25-minute multiple-choice experimental section (not graded)

These 10 sections, along with two 10-minute breaks, compose the whole of the SAT.

 

When can I take the exam?

The SATs may be taken by students in January, March, May, June, October, November or December. See SAT Test Schedule.

 

How do I register?

Register at the College Board website.

 

Do you offer SAT preparation?

We offer both SAT private tutoring and SAT preparation classes.