SAT

SAT stands for Scholastic Aptitude Test. It is a standardized test, designed to measure critical thinking, reading and analytical skills and writing skills through three sections- math, critical reading writing and language and Essay (optional).The SAT tests a student's capability and their likelihood to succeed in a course which and is one of the several factors that many universities and colleges consider when making their admission decisions alongside high school grades.

Two sections of SAT (Mathematics and Evidence-Based Reading and Writing) are scored on a scale ranging from 200-800 points giving a possible total of 1600. Sub scores and insight scores are also reported along with an optional essay (scored separately).

Questions that a student does not answer do not count either for or against their score. No negative marking for wrong answers on the math questions where the answers have to be entered into a grid. The raw score for each section is then converted into a scaled score. This is where the score of 200–800 points comes from, which is done through a statistical process called 'equating'.

To remember when taking the New SAT:

Unlike the old SAT there is no negative marking or wrong-answer penalty and too much time must not be spent on answering specific questions, especially, in the Critical Reading section. The critical reading section now does not asks for sentence completion. There are only 4 answer choices per question in the New SAT test format.SAT is available in print and digitally.

• In India, the SAT is offered in the months of January, May, June, October, November and December.
• The test is generally conducted on the first Saturday of the month (except in the month of January, when it is held on the last Saturday).
• Students have 3 hours (3 hours 50 minutes with optional essay) to take the SAT, not including breaks and check-in time.
• SAT scores are valid for five years.
• Students can take the test more than once to see if they can score better. Two to three times is the maximum recommended number of attempts.
• The essay question asks students to analyze a 650-700 word document and explain how the author builds an argument. Students need not have previous knowledge of any particular subject to answer the essay question as the test focuses on the reading, writing, and analysis skills of the test-takers.
• A scoreclose to the mean (average) - about 500 on critical reading and writing and 500 on mathematics - shows that a student has scored quite well.
• Each college has its own way of using test scores and evaluating applicants. The SAT score reports sent to colleges include score ranges and percentiles that provide some context for how well a student has performed in the test.
• Scores are valid for five years after the testing year in which a student was tested.
• There is an on-screen calculator for use in the Quantitative Reasoning section to reduce the emphasis on computation and to ensure that the student focuses more attention on reasoning skills.
• There is emphasis within the test on vocabulary enrichment through reading.

The cost to take the SAT for Indian students is US$ 92.

The cost to take the SAT with Essay for Indian students is US$ 103.50.

In addition to the cost of taking the SAT, other charges may apply in certain circumstances. Further details of costs can be found on http://sat.collegeboard.org/home