A Deep Dive into the SAT College Entrance Exam
College is the path for many students after graduation
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 69.7% of high school graduates go on to attend college. It’s likely your own child is planning to pursue a degree, and no doubt you’ve discussed the best way to help him or her get there.
While most students are aware of this test and understand its importance, we thought it would be beneficial to do a deep dive into the SAT by answering a few questions: How does it work? What is on the test? Who is eligible to take it? How can your child best prepare for the exam?
The purpose of the SAT
The SAT is a college entrance exam that is created and administered by the College Board. The goal of the SAT is to determine if students have mastered certain subjects and assess their overall readiness for college. The test is then used to determine if a student should be accepted or denied.
It is not the only consideration, but it is certainly one of the most important.
“College admissions officers will review standardized test scores alongside your high school GPA, the classes you took in high school, letters of recommendation from teachers or mentors, extracurricular activities, admissions interviews, and personal essays,” according to Princeton Review.
The best time to take the SAT
Many students take the test during the spring of their junior year or fall of senior year. There is a good reason to take the SAT as early as possible – students can retake the test and submit the highest score.
The SAT is only offered at certain times of the year, so it is important to look at the schedule.
What subjects are included on the SAT?
The SAT includes four sections, including reading, writing and language, math, and an essay.
Section 1: Reading. The reading portion comprises 52 multiple choice questions and tests a student’s reading comprehension, understanding of vocabulary, and ability to analyze information in the test. Students are allowed 65 minutes to complete this section of the SAT.
Section 2: Writing and language. The writing and language portion of the SAT contains 44 multiple-choice questions and tests a student’s knowledge and use of grammar, vocabulary, and writing and editing skills. Students are allowed 35 minutes to complete this section of the test.
Section 3: Math. The math portion contains 58 multiple-choice questions (20 questions without a calculator, and 38 questions with a calculator) and tests a student’s knowledge and competency in Algebra I and II, Geometry, and some Trigonometry. Students are allowed 80 minutes to complete the math portion. However, this time is further broken down and allows 25 minutes for the no calculator section and 55 minutes for the calculator section.
Section 4: Essay. The essay section is optional. However, it is important to note that some schools require it, so it is a good idea to complete this section of the test. This section of the test requires a student to read a passage and write an essay, explaining how the author framed his or her argument. Students are allowed 50 minutes to complete this section.
How Are SAT Scores Calculated?
Perhaps the most confusing aspect of the SAT has to do with scoring.
“Each section of the SAT is scored on a 200 to 800-point scale. Your total SAT score is the sum of your section scores. The highest possible SAT score is 1600. If you take the Essay, you will receive a separate score,” according to Princeton Review.
What is a Good Score?
Another frustrating part about taking the SAT is determining if a score is good enough to get into a college of choice. Students have access to only their scores, so there is no way to know how well other students around the country performed.
There are some ways to determine if a score is good or not.
“The College Board provides a chart showing SAT user percentiles based on various SAT scores. By looking at these numbers, you can get a strong sense of how your individual score compares to the national average,” according to CollegeVine.com.
Keep in mind that while SAT scores count for a lot, admissions officers also look at the totality of a student’s career, including grades, extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation, admissions essays, and other data to determine if a student will be a good fit.
SAT eligibility
Anyone can register to take the SAT. Those aged 13 or older are welcome to create a free College Board account and then register online.
Should international students take the SAT?
International students who are already in an American high school – and those who do not currently reside in the U.S. – need to take the SAT since most four-year colleges require it.
Some schools also require a TOEFL exam, which measures a student’s ability to understand English.
How to prepare for the SAT
There are many resources that can help students prepare for the SAT. There are plenty of online resources and printed test prep books that you can check out from the library or buy at a bookstore. Students can also take practice tests online.
Another option is to take a local SAT prep course or hire a personal tutor.
SAT preparation at American Heritage School
American Heritage School takes SAT prep seriously. Students spend 20 minutes a week on SAT prep in both English and math starting in ninth grade. This practice continues throughout the next three years, with increasing focus as students advance through high school. If you have questions about the SAT or how to prepare, do not hesitate to contact us.
American Heritage School offers academic counseling, tutoring, and other resources to help students prepare for the SAT. Speak to a teacher or guidance counselor for more information. If you are looking for a school, contact our Boca/Delray campus to schedule a tour.