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Know All About The Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT Exam) in Details

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Last updated date: 23rd Apr 2024
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What is a Scholastic Aptitude Test?

If you want to pursue undergraduate studies in another country, you should be aware of the SAT, ACT, and other similar exams. The full name of the SAT exam is Scholastic Aptitude Test. You may now wonder, what is SAT? Well, let us explain it to you! 


The Scholastic Aptitude Test (commonly known as the 'SAT') is a reasoning test that institutions throughout the world use to admit students to their undergraduate programmes at the greatest universities in the world. The SAT test is graded on a scale of 1600 points, with 400 being the lowest possible result. The SAT exam lasts three hours.


Each component of the SAT exam is worth 800 points and includes an Evidence-Based Reading and  Writing section and a Maths section. The essay is an extra 50 minutes on the SAT admission exam and is optional. Reading > Writing > Maths > Essay is the order of the sections. Except for a few in the Maths section, all of the questions are Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs). 


Why Should You Give the SAT Exam? 

Now that students know what is aptitude test, it’s time to know the reasons to give the SAT exam: 

  • Most colleges in India and overseas accept SAT scores.

  • By taking the SAT, you can apply for a variety of well-paid scholarships.

  • Preparing for the SAT is inexpensive. There are numerous websites that provide free SAT practice tests.

  • The SAT is conducted four times a year. As a result, you can take your time and choose the most convenient moment to give it.

  • In the SAT, there is no negative marking. As a result, you are free to attempt any questions even if you are unsure of the correct answer.


SAT Exam Details 

Following are the section-wise SAT Exam Details for you to check.


Reading Section of the SAT Exam 

This section contains a passage, which could be an excerpt from a book, an article, or an extract. Some of the questions that assess your ability to analyse use infographics. You don't have to be concerned because all of the questions are relevant to the passage. It's not about how well you remember facts and definitions, so you won't need flashcards or insider knowledge, and you won't have to stay up all night cramming. By investigating hypotheses and interpreting data, this portion evaluates your knowledge of words in context, command of evidence, and analysis in History/Social Studies and Science.


Writing Section of the SAT Exam 

A passage will be supplied in this portion, just as it was in the preceding section of the Scholastic Aptitude Test. You must proofread and repair the errors as specified in the questions. To assist exam takers, certain questions will have infographics. The Expression of Ideas (for fill-in-the-blanks questions) and sentence structure, use, and punctuation are among the skills tested in this section, in addition to the ones described above.


Maths Section of the Scholastic Aptitude Test

Except for a few that require test-takers to come up with the solution, all of the questions are multiple-choice (grid-ins). The material is divided into two sections: Maths Test with Calculator and Maths Test without Calculator. The questions in the No-Calculator section are quick and simple to answer. With themes like Heart of Algebra (linear equations and systems), Problem Solving and Data Analysis (quantitative literacy), and Passport to Advanced Maths, this portion assesses your fluency, conceptual knowledge and applications, and calculator use (complex equations). Geometry and trigonometry are among the subjects covered. Don't worry; the later two only generate basic level questions. There are around 22% grid-in questions that you must answer; there are no options available.


Essay Section of the SAT 

Only a few institutions require the essay portion, thus it is optional. For more information on the SAT Exam Essay requirement, consult your college's policies. The SAT Essay is unlike any other school essay in that it requires you to read a piece and comment on how the author constructs a case in support of something. You are not required to share your viewpoints, much less to defend your position. The essay is graded on a scale of 2 to 8. Reading, analysis, and writing are the three components. To calculate the Essay composite score, the three points are not put together.


Answering Time Allotment for the SAT Entrance Exam 

Students are requested to adhere to the time limit mentioned in the table to answer each question during the SAT Entrance Exam


S.No

Section of the Paper 

Advised Time Limit 

Total Number of Questions 

Advised Time to Spend on Each Question


Reading

65 minutes

52

75 seconds


Writing and Language

35 minutes

44

48 seconds


Maths (No Calculator Use)

25 minutes

20

75 seconds


Maths (Calculator)

55 minutes

38

87 seconds


Eligibility Criteria for The Scholastic Aptitude Test

The college board has not established any precise SAT eligibility requirements. In general, if a student wishes to apply to a college or university undergraduate programme, scholarships, or other opportunities, he or she should take the SAT. All students interested in pursuing undergraduate education in nations such as the United States, Canada, Australia, Singapore, New Zealand, and others are eligible to take the SAT.


Because the goal of the SAT is to increase students' chances of receiving a bachelor's degree from one of the greatest institutions in the world, the majority of SAT candidates are in Class 11th or Class 12th. There is no upper age limit for taking the SAT exam.


Effective Tips for SAT Aptitude Test Preparation

We are hereby sharing some effective tips for the SAT Aptitude Test Preparation that can help you to score good marks: 


  • Make a Study Schedule that Works for You: It may seem self-evident, but studying for the SAT will increase your score. Many students finish a few practice tests and move on. A schedule, on the other hand, can help you stay on track and study consistently. You can start booking regular study sessions once you know when the test will be held. Make sure to set up at least 2-3 hours per week for studying. You want to keep the content fresh in your mind as much as possible before the test.


  • Use High-Quality Preparation Materials: The materials you use to prepare for the SAT have an impact on your score and how prepared you feel on test day. Your initial stop should be the College Board website. You can get practice questions, full-length practice exams, answer explanations, and recommendations by downloading the free SAT Study Guide. You can also practice the SAT Test Sample.


  • Accelerate Your Reading: Reading the questions fast and accurately is a key element of the SAT. You aim to get through big paragraphs quickly in the Reading portion without losing track of crucial points. You'll have more time to think about the answers if you cut down on the time it takes you to read the questions and passages on the test.


  • Concentrate on the Errors You Have Control Over: While you can't forecast or prevent not knowing the answer, you can manage other factors including time constraint, question comprehension, and unintentional blunders. Due to time constraints, many students make mistakes on the SAT. Taking a timed practice test can assist you in becoming more accustomed to the pace and strain. Set a timer for the length of time you'll have on test day when taking practice SAT tests.


  • First, Answer the Questions You Already Know the Answers to: When taking the SAT, a frequent test-taking method is to go through the current section and answer all of the questions you know first. You'll have more time to hash out the things you're not so sure about if you can swiftly fill out the questions you know. If a question takes more than a few minutes for you to understand, skip it and note it in your test booklet to remind you to return back to it later.


Hopefully, this article has successfully covered all the vital information on the Scholastic Aptitude Test that aspirants are hunting for online. We also shared effective preparation tips for the SAT Exam. Therefore, now that students know what is SAT exam, they can prepare for the exam wisely and score good marks. For more information on SAT, head over to our website now!

FAQs on Know All About The Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT Exam) in Details

1. Is the SAT a challenging exam?

In general, the SAT exam is difficult. It includes elements from English and Maths that can be challenging. The biggest challenge is recognising how the SAT asks questions and admitting that it differs significantly from most in-class assessments. Preparing for the types of questions that will be asked and becoming familiar with the test's structure are the greatest ways to conquer the SAT's hurdles. Spending time becoming comfortable with the questions and correcting any mistakes you make on practice tests is the key to acing it.

2. When is the most ideal time to take the SAT?

The months of May and June are often the busiest for SAT registration. The reason for this is because students finish their school year at that time and are more focused on their academics. This aids them in fully comprehending the SAT exam structure. The majority of students who retake the SAT improve their score, and some even do so more than once. There are a few things to think about while choosing the proper SAT date for you, such as test centre location, personal schedule, practice time required, chance or desire to retest, and college application deadlines. 

3. Is there a  SAT scholarship available for Indian students?

Yes! SAT scholarships are open to all international students, including Indians. Students with a SAT score of more than 1300 are also eligible for full coverage under the SAT scholarship for Indian students. The 'College Board India Scholars Program' is a SAT scholarship programme for Indian students. The College Board assists candidates in two ways when it comes to SAT exam scholarships: Their SAT registration fees were reduced by 90%. SAT scholarships help Indian students study abroad by reducing their tuition payments until they graduate.