The
SAT, earlier called Scholastic Aptitude Test and now Scholastic
Assessment Test, is an admission test usually accepted by most of the
colleges and universities in the United States. It tests students’
preparedness to undergo higher education in US colleges.
Introduced
in 1926, SAT has undergone several changes in its name and scoring
pattern over the years. The Educational Testing Service (ETS) develops
and administers the test on behalf of the College Board, a private
not-for-profit corporation in the United States.
Test Format
SAT
is offered seven times a year. It measures what you studied in high
school and the skill set you would require to sail through the college
course. It has three test components.
Reading Test
Reading
Test is all about what you must have been doing for years. It tests how
well you assimilate and use information through reading.
It
is a multiple-choice test with 52 questions and 65 minutes’ duration.
Test passages are drawn from high standard previously published subjects
of US and world literature, social studies and science, but it does not
call for prior expertise in the subject. The passages are sometimes
accompanied by informational graphics like tables and graphs.
Writing and Language
You
become an editor while doing the test, wherein you read, spot errors
and weaknesses in word usage and structures, and correct them. You will
have 35 minutes to answer 44 questions in all.
All
questions are multiple choice and test passages are drawn from history,
social studies and science. This again does not necessitate any prior
knowledge in these subjects. Some passages may have informational
graphics like charts, tables and graphs but you do not have to work out
any math.
Mathematics
This
test focuses a lot on your problem solving skills, modeling, using
tools strategically and using algebraic structure. You would apply the
math that you would most likely use in all sorts of situations. You may
have to take two math tests: ‘Math Test – Calculator’ with 38 questions
and 55 minutes’ duration and ‘Math Test – No Calculator’ with 20
questions and 25 minutes’ duration.
SAT essay
This
component tests how well you use your reading, analysis and writing
skills in 50 minutes, as it is done in a college essay writing
assignment. This is optional, but some schools do require it.
Test length
The
total SAT duration is 180 minutes with a 10-minute break after the
Reading test and a 5-minute break after the ‘Math Test – No Calculator’
section.
How to time the test
Running
out of time is a common problem found among several SAT takers. The
best method to prepare for the extended duration and intensity of SAT is
to take strictly timed, full-length practice tests. Familiarize
yourself with test instructions and length before the SAT to avoid
nail-biting moments in the exam hall.
Move
away from trickier questions; do not spend time poring over them. Do
not be tempted to go back to the question you left unanswered in a
dilemma. You may have to finish answering all the questions before
taking reattempts. If you are stuck with indecision, eliminate the wrong
choices first and choose from the remaining answers.
SAT Scores
The
new SAT is scored on the 1600 scale. If you score 1200, you are rated
as ‘excellent’ and ranked in the top 25 percent while a 1000 will rate
you as ‘good’, putting you in the average category.
What is the takeaway?
Apart
from polishing your language skills, SAT gives you a valuable
opportunity to hone a variety of skills including problem-solving,
analytical thinking, accomplishing a task to its finest detail and
finding smart shortcuts.
Equipped
with such a broad skill set, you are prepared to face the world with
full confidence, be it your academic front or personal/ professional
life. Your problem solving skills acquire a competitive edge that puts
you on par with international students.
Armed with a good SAT score, you have better prospects to apply for colleges that offer scholarships and grants.
Preparation tips
Cramming
words and facts is not the key to a creditable performance in SAT. It
tests you with simple questions posed in trickier ways. The more you
practice, the sharper your skills and the readier you are to fight the
battle.
Read challenging topics, take quizzes, and ask and answer a battery of questions. Enroll yourself in a structured online learning portal
for anywhere-anytime personalized learning, to polish your language
skills, learn better time management and get fully prepared for SAT.
In
your study plan, develop the regular habit of reading articles and
complex passages on unfamiliar topics. Familiarize yourself with the
test structure and rules. Above all, in the run up to the test day, stay
relaxed, eat healthy and sleep peacefully to feel well rested.
