I've been hearing a lot about the SAT but I'm not sure what it all entails. Can someone please explain the structure and main topics covered on the test?
The SAT is a standardized test used by colleges and universities in the United States to gauge a high school student's academic readiness for college. The test assesses students' skills in mathematics, reading, and writing, and the score is one of the factors considered in the college admissions process. The SAT aims to provide a snapshot of a student's knowledge and ability in core subjects necessary for success in college.
As of spring 2024, the SAT has become fully digital and is comprised of two main sections: Reading and Writing, and Math. The digital SAT has the following structure:
1. Reading and Writing: This section is divided into two 32-minute modules, in which students need to complete a total of 54 questions. Students have approximately 71 seconds to answer each question. The Reading portion includes passages from literature, historical documents, social sciences, and natural sciences, while the Writing portion asks students to identify and correct grammar, punctuation and sentence structure errors in passages.
2. Math: This section also has two 35-minute modules and consists of a total of 44 questions. Students are given an average of 96 seconds per question, or slightly over a minute and a half. The Math section covers a range of topics including arithmetic, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and data analysis. Students are allowed to use calculators on both math modules.
The total test duration is 134 minutes, with a total of 98 questions to complete. The SAT is scored on a scale of 400 to 1600, with each section (Reading and Writing, and Math) contributing 200 to 800 points to the overall score.
To help you prepare for the SAT, you can take advantage of various resources, such as the Bluebook™ app that offers digital practice tests, as well as free online resources and prep materials provided by the College Board, the organization responsible for creating and administering the SAT. With diligent practice and study, you can familiarize yourself with the test format and improve your problem-solving and critical thinking skills vital for college success.
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